“The vocation of every man and woman is to serve other people.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
Greatness can often be determined by how well any one entity serves another. Be it as a parent, business, charity, church, government or nation, service is at the heart of legacy.
The economic boom was on in the early 1990s, and I was in downtown Auckland, New Zealand contemplating what makes five-star hotels better than others. My wife and I like to seek out these special hotels around the world, often popping in for a drink and to stare at the rich decorations and soak up the plush and sometimes historical atmosphere. Our conversations often come back around to what really makes a five-star hotel worth its five stars.
It’s easy to fall for just the decadence as the reason for a high rating, but in truth, a five-star hotel gets its rating for how well its visitors feel served. The time, knowledge and experience invested to create this type of facility are only successful by how well they serve. But beyond exotic exteriors service is also a motivation. Visitors can tell if their purse matters more than even they do.
Many years ago a fellow student asked me for help with his accounting. As international students pursuing undergraduate degrees, we connected over shared former experiences in Africa and a mutual interest in government. As I tried to help him, he acted completely disinterested. I couldn’t tell why until another well-dressed guy came up to us while we were studying. Together they proceeded to try to convince me to sign up for a multi-level marketing business. When I said no, the guy to whom I’d offered help showed no interest in friendship. His motivation in approaching me with kindness was actually for personal profit.
Motivation marks us as human beings like a chameleon changes colors to suit its surroundings. We can often tell if kindness, friendship and service are being offered as a gift or dangling carrot.
A core tenant of our values today says: “The more convincing customer care can be at pretending it values you, the customer, rather than your wallet, the more successful it will be.” But imagine if you will, individuals and organizations serving each other from the heart with genuine care and love for others. As our economy breaks down deeper and scams and frauds are exposed, why not let it expose our own fraud and how we’ve turned kindness and care at all levels into economic transactions?
Giving Anonymously is an expression of this imagined place. It’s a simple tool that protects peoples’ motivation to give and to be given to. It exposes people to the incredible joy there is in giving without gaining anything in return. But even if we do gain, let it be the fruit of our service rather than the reason for our service.
by Lionel Thompson
