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Guest post by: Ed Sykes Become an Author

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Leadership starts by giving. The more we share with others, the more we make a difference in our businesses, our careers, and our communities. Let me share the following leadership story of making a difference:

Joy had just finished a successful women's leadership presentation for an organization. She stopped at the local mall. As she opened the door, she noticed a twenty dollar bill on the ground. She looked around and picked up the bill and called me to share her exciting find. She asked me what we should do with it since no one was apparently looking for the bill, and I suggested she bring the bill home and we could discuss it.

That night, we debated about what we should do with our good fortune. We agreed that we could not keep it since we gained it at the expense of someone else's bad fortune.

Then the answer came to us. One of our favorite television programs mentioned that the free healthcare program they help sponsor was short of their financial goals for an free health clinic they were holding in New Orleans on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by $300,000. This was our solution! We went online to the organization's website and donated twenty dollars to their cause.

Well, soon after we heard that the organization was able to meet their financial goals, due to thousands of small contributions, and hold the free health clinic for two days, helping thousands of patients with their health needs. Some patients were able to find out that they did have health challenges, some life threatening, while at the free health clinic.

I share this story to illustrate the power of the leader within us. We are all leaders, and we can make a difference in our lives by giving more. The following are three leadership secrets to being more successful by giving more:

1. Opportunities to Give are All Around Us
   
   There are opportunities to give all around us. Open your "giving senses" to the opportunities that are available. Giving doesn't always mean donating money. Volunteer and give your time and expertise, which could be just as important. If you are at work, leadership starts by sharing your knowledge with new employees. In your community, share your time, money, and/or expertise with community or sports groups. One of our favorites is the American Cancer Society.
2. Your Individual Actions Lead to Big Results
   
   Often, I am asked, "What we can I do?" You would be surprised how the smallest action can lead to big results. Just by taking the step, you are taking action to make a difference. At work, if you take time to give encouragement or let your manager know that you support his initiative by sharing your ideas can make a world of difference in the workplace. In your community, taking a small action can ignite others to also make a difference.
3. Recruit Others to Give
   
   Leadership is about recruiting others to make a difference. Recruit others to be passionate about giving. Sometimes it comes down to what's in it for them to volunteer and give their time, money, and/or expertise. Along with making a difference, you might mention that giving allows others to see your skills and this can lead to new opportunities.

Take the time to show your leadership skills and give so that you can make a difference. You create new opportunities and enhance others, while feeling good about the whole process.

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