Leaders must formulate a mindset of giving without expectation of immediate return if they want to inspire and engage.

In the early 19th Century John Cadbury set up his world famous Cadbury chocolate business from its very humble beginnings as a coffee and drinking chocolate shop in Birmingham. Already an early pioneer for social justice he was very clear about the organisational model and culture he wanted to centre his business upon. A model that would have as its absolute fulcrum point equality and respect. In that era this was trailblazing and counter intuitive to many business'. The question though was how?.... In an era when working conditions in the United Kingdom were appallingly low this would need something different..... the answer he created lay intrinsically in his values ... he had to create something truly meaningful and lasting to inspire ... he had to create a legacy based on giving to the community.

The practical manifestation of that vision today can be seen by anybody who visits the thriving and bustling community of Bournville on the edge of Birmingham - still the proud home of the iconic chocolate brand. As the business developed and to attract, inspire and engage a workforce his sons built the model village of Bournville where their vision of community, social justice and how to operate an organisation based on these principles could be fully developed. Schools, playing fields, community centres, medical facilities were the legacy that was created to support their business dream and ambition.

Many things have changed and evolved since those days and the opportunity to create such practical legacy may appear on face value to be less. Yet, the lesson of John Cadbury and his sons was not necessarily in the bricks and mortar that they created, but in the mindset and philosophy that they so beautifully encapsulated as a leader. If we truly give without expectation of return other than in the development and enhancement of people we can truly inspire those around us to achieve great things.

Giving as a mindset and approach is something that we can all aspire to as an individual - in a world where we are all seeking personal enrichment those that are prepared to embark on a journey of giving in any form soon discover that it provides a level of personal growth and sense of being that no other act can provide. Be it time, resources or emotional support the rewards to our personal sense of purpose and contribution are huge.

As a leader the impact of a mindset based on giving is transformational, for it ignites the most basic of inspirational instincts - loyalty, trust and gratitude. A leader must recognise that their primary duty is to give their colleagues all of the things that are required to allow these emotions to take hold. They must do that in an unconditional and unqualified way and they must do that on a day in and day out basis no matter what the pressures or prevailing forces that ask us to control and take from our colleagues. Giving for a leader needs to be about how they support and serve others to allow them to reach the highest levels of achievements without fear of failure or reprisal on a day to day basis, that is where inspiration can take hold and flourish.

If a leader can apply values, conceptualise and then create action oriented practical manifestations of such an approach then sustainable excellence can take hold in teams. This is because it allows colleagues to

• Fell they are supported in their daily activities in all aspects.
• Be given the skills and resources to do their role well, 
• Given the opportunity and headspace to operate to own their own destiny and 
• Trusted to operate within their sphere of control and influence those key areas around them.
• Recognised for what they achieve.
• Have faith in the fact that their leaders are prioritising colleagues emotional and individual needs above their own interest in the pursuit of achievement.

Leaders need to consider carefully how they generate such a culture and approach and the create rhythms and actions in themselves to ensue this happens. Whilst the basic mindset must be intrinsic the practical application can be lost as The pressure to deviate can sometimes be significant especially in times of setback and difficulties. Yet this is precisely the time where the demonstration of a leaders commitment approach to giving to their colleagues can be at its most potent and impactful.

Key aspects of a giving approach in leadership are the following

• Allocating time for colleagues to discuss career development and progress outside of immediate issues.
• Facilitating mentor relationships outside of direct line reporting.
• Investing in non core skills development to aid progression
• Discussing and agreeing resource models mutually as opposed to just imposing. Then ensuring these resources are provided.
• Giving colleagues the accountability to their job but maintaining the ultimate responsibility for their actions.
• Allowing them headroom and scope to operate within mutually agreed boundaries
• Recognising achievement and deflecting praise aimed at you to others that actually deliver
• Giving your own personal recognition to your team.
• Giving colleagues the time and opportunity to reflect and correct when things don’t go well.
• Giving your trust and faith to those you have selected to do something and allowing them the opportunity to make things happen.

Leadership is not about how good we are ourselves - it is about how good we can support others to become. For in that act, the the sum of a group of colleges who are engaged, capable and motivated to succeed will far out weigh what you can achieve on your own or through coercion. That environment can only ever be truly developed when leaders give those around them the opportunity to be the best they can possibly be and serve the need of that group in the best way they can.

As always the mindset and actions must start with us as leaders - give to inspire - you will be amazed at the transformation this can create. John Cadbury and his sons did that by building a village, we can all think of ways as leaders on a daily basis in which we can give to inspire - that was indeed their ultimate legacy A leap of faith perhaps, but a leap we must be prepared to make in the pursuit of sustainable achievements.

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