Finding Your Edge: Part Two - Generosity

Edge in itself, is a fairly broad concept and can applied to many scenarios. Competitive edge, brand edge, management edge, and even edge computing. Ultimately, when you think about edge, it is something that produces a delta. It helps separate companies, brands or methodologies from the pack. Looking at some of the denominators, edge could be derived through attributes such as uniqueness, quality, relevance, speed, approach, or some permutation of them all. When applied at an individual level, what is edge and how do you identify it in people, and more importantly, how do you develop it? 

In part 1 of finding your edge, I wrote about how important consistency was in edge. While consistency is key, and somewhat foundational, I think there are more variables to consider when trying to build your personal edge. In part 2 of finding your edge, I explore the notion of generosity and how this trait could also be a key contributor to finding your edge. 

My first foray into the corporate world was indeed exhilarating but equally daunting. Joining The Coca-Cola Company, one of the world’s greatest marketing companies, was a dream come true for me. Truth be told, starting this exciting job at Coca-Cola, came with a hint of imposter syndrome. Working with some of the best brains in the game, and marketing minds in South Africa, meant I was about to have to walk the talk. Was I ready for this? Did I have enough experience? Will I make those who believed in me proud? While my excitement was pulpable, and I tried to exude humble confidence, the reality was that under that veneer I was nervous and hesitant that I was going to live up to expectation. 

 I joined the company after working on “My Coke Fest” on the agency side. A vacancy on the Coca-Cola Brand team opened up, and the team at Coke that I had worked with invited me to apply for the role. After a rigorous interview process, I was offered the role on the Coca-Cola brand team and I never looked back from there. When I think about my on-boarding, and reason for my early success at the company, it was because my first boss was simply incredible. I learned so much from her, but when I think about her edge as a leader, it was her generosity gene that stood out above all. 

Generosity in this context was not about the ratings she gave us at the end of the year, the raise that came with it, or the bonus we received. In fact, it had very little to do with renumeration and everything to do with growth and development. In my opinion, generosity in the workplace is about selflessness - a willingness to give something to others that contributes to their personal growth. It comes in many forms and takes many shapes, it is both conscious and subconscious, and it is done without wanting anything in return. It is a trait that some people have, and some people don’t. 

I have had the immense pleasure to work with many smart people over the course of my career. In some cases, I think I may have worked with some of the best in the world in their respective area of expertise. I would often watch from a distance, looking at awe at some of the work they were delivering and hoping that one day I could achieve even half of what they have. Early on, I thought that I wanted to be like them, to be them. Functionally, on point. 

As I progressed in my career, I started to look at things more holistically and started to add more filters to what I thought a role model needed to be. Those that I began to admire the most, were those that were willing to share. I started to gravitate to those that were willing to give of themselves, give of their time, give of their connections, give of their knowledge and experience – with no payback required. These leaders, with their incredibly busy schedules, were never too busy. They were always willing to catch up over a coffee, willing to take the time to give candid feedback on a project, willing to connect you with other colleagues in the company or industry that could make a meaningful difference in your personal journey, willing to open a conversation after a key note speech, and the list goes on. The generosity that they exhibited, whether they were aware of it or not, left a significant imprint on my mind in terms of how I viewed them, which in turn contributed to their edge in my eyes. 

Our industry comes with ego, very often wrapped up in the veil of a quid pro quo. This is not an excuse, but a reality. The politics are real, and you can often see the wheels turning about how best to climb the proverbial ladder. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but when directly correlated with self-worth, it can become disconcerting. There are many brilliant individuals that are ahead of their time when it comes to the output of their work, but never rise to the occasion and meet the bar of displaying edge because their primary focus is, well… themselves. 

Going back to my first boss at Coca-Cola. I knew from day one that she was willing to put her team before herself. In fact, not just her team but all the young talent that came into the organization at the time and looked to her as a role model. She is an exceptional marketer with an incredible track record, but what separates her from the pack is her generosity gene. I didn’t realize it at the time, but thirteen years on, I find myself trying to emulate many of the traits that she so effortlessley brought to the table. 

 The bar was set pretty high with her. I have been fortunate to work for many incredible leaders over the course of my career so far, and each have left similar indelible lessons and experiences with me. I have also been very fortunate to have had many inspiring role models on my journey - some of them knew I saw them as role models, and some didn’t. When I look at why I thought these people had edge, generosity was inevitably always part of the equation. 

When you think about building your edge, don’t forget that generosity is a trait that is often overlooked. Go the extra mile for your team. Take that coffee with a young associate that is hungry to learn and grow. Step out onto that stage and share your wisdom with others. Leave ego at the door and rescind the hierarchy. Your edge is in part a manifestation of how others see you, and your generosity to others is a direct multiplier of that. 

In part three of finding your edge, I will explore how self-awareness plays a key role in bringing it all together.