Generosity is your secret career superpower

Imagine you walk into a conference room, and the VP you admire quietly sighs about her team’s low morale. Instead of slipping into small talk, you lean in and say, “I read about a retroactive peer-recognition program that boosted engagement by 40 percent at my last company—can I email you the details?”

She’s taken aback. You’re not there to sell yourself; you’re there to solve her problem. Later that week, she receives your email—delivered precisely when she’s hunting solutions. Her reply bubbles with gratitude: “That’s exactly what we needed.” From that moment on, you’re not just another attendee; you’re the person who stepped up when it mattered.

That spark of generosity evolves into more conversations, introductions, and a reputation for being invaluable. Over time, she recommends you to other leaders. What began as a simple offer to help has blossomed into a network of advocates ready to reciprocate. It’s the power of giving before getting—and it works anywhere people share challenges.

As you move through your day—whether in meetings, online chats, or casual coffee breaks—actively look for one or two small ways to help someone solve a problem. Send a useful link, share a contact, or simply ask, “Can I help?” This habit of generous outreach quickly cements you as the connector people trust and turn to.