The Fifth and final Law of Stratospheric Success provides us with a dilemma and a warning. And a challenge. Can you give without expectation, or need, of receiving? Are you commited to facilitating the success of others? Let's face it, not every person is a genuine Giver. In fact, too few. Even fewer are the appreciative receivers that you pray they will be, that they will be grateful and maybe even recognize you for your team efforts. Ask a nurse, pharmacist, grade school teacher, medical doctor or military officer. They live the answers to these questions. How much more do they routinely give in service then they receive in appreciation? And yet, continue to serve unabated even if everyone else proceeds on their own. Therefore, what do you do? Run for cover or stand tall the approaching storm?
The Fifth Law
Receptivity - The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
"11am cappuccino?" comes the text.
"You betcha" I reply.
"Creperie?"
"Good idea"
10:53 - "John running late. Don't kill me;)"
"No worries Angel"
11.34 - "Are you still there? On my way"
"Course. Drive careful"
"K"
A few minutes later I walk outside and wait. A few more minutes and here she comes. Running. Across sidewalk! Red print dress, flats and a bag. A handful of breeze in her hair! We hug each like the best friends that we are and smile and laugh. I wave off her apology.
"Its all too crazy" she bursts. For 40 minutes we yammer about it all over French roast cappuccino. Insightful she is and curious. This successful business woman, full of zest, observant, listening and understanding and encouraging me to do my best and what's best. Sharing her trials, painful decisions and success. And then -
She pays!
Ahhh, the joys of being a kept man (I wish).
Don't let anyone tell you northern European woman are cool or distant, they overflow with energy and determination and Joyfulness.
The Boss
"I'm headed to Washington, DC next week for the NAR mid-year conference. There's some seminars on how to set up a Global Business Council like you (the Boss) talked about. I'll be meeting the GBC people from Chicago. Been talking to points of contact at NAR and in Chicago so should be a good opportunity to bring some info back."
"OK" The Boss says reflexively. And nothing more.
He's talked several times about setting up a Global Business Council, open and benefiting to all, hosted by our office. The conference is an opportunity to get the best information on how to do that.
Two weeks later and the Boss ignored each and every one of my five email on the subject; who I talked to, their comments, how to overcome obstacles, I have all the Guidebooks and forms. I even wrote-up a Draft Implementation Plan. Zip. Nada. Not one word in Reply Back into the office and he doesn't say a single word about my team initiative. Zero. I spent $1500 and for what?
After two weeks I print copies of the five email and give them to him. We meet the next day. He still hasn't read the email and it's as if nothing is wrong. No apology for ignoring my email. No word of thanks. He voices a vague plan and tells me to continue the legwork to make his plan happen. Really?!
How could he be so unaware of his Arrogance?
With whom would you do business - Ms. Joyfulness or Mr. Arrogance?
"Trying not to receive is not only foolish, it's arrogant. When someone gives you a gift, what gives you the right to refuse it - to deny their right to give?" - Pindar. Explaining the Law of Receptivity on pg. 107 of The Go-Giver.
I think back on my 20 years as an officer and carrier pilot in the Navy and the 14 Commanding Officers under whom I served. And the countless other Commanding Officers I met and from whom I learned the meanings of life and death. What was their primary goal? Dropping bombs and shooting down planes? Heck no. Their primary goal was to make sure the next officer and all officers under their command would be ready to step into their bosses' shoes and carry on unimpeded to fulfill obligations even without the Commanding Officer. To protect and to serve. And the objectives to obtain this goal?
Delegation. Sharing. Appreciation. Caring. Guidance. Thank you.
Assigning responsibility and providing the tools to fulfill that responsibility. Give and receive, modify and tailor and give and receive some more. Did they worry about such nebulous things as Branding? Branding? Taking care of your people supercedes logos and color schemes and images - and is much more rewarding. Take care of your people and they will take care of you.
Maybe this is why Military Officers are ranked #5 of all professions on Honesty and comprise the Fourth Law of Stratospheric Success - Trustworthiness.
Friends of mine recently celerated their 26th wedding anniversary. I've known them since the second month they were marriied. Both still crazy in love. Their romance a Genuine Success.
The Law of Receptivity says the Secret to Genuine Success is to give and receive and give and receive. To make yourself open to Receiving the same as the other person is open to Giving. The ebb and flow. Each event building on itself, leading to Genuine Success.
Beware of what limits Genuine Success - Arrogance.
What defeats Arrogance? Joyfulness. And so, my Friends, be Joyful.
Where does it all begin: The 1st Law - The Law of Value
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me here.
Good luck!