Do for others what they cannot do for themselves

14. Do for others what they cannot do for themselves.

Ambassador and poet Henry Van Dyke said, “There is a loftier ambition than to merely stand high in the world; it is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.” Whatever you have been given is to be shared with others. Have an abundance mindset; the more you give away the more you have for yourself. Four areas to work on: First, introduce people to other people that they would not be able to get to know on their own. Be the bridge in people’s relationships with others; help them make connections. Second, take others to places that they cannot go on their own. Third, give someone an experience that is inaccessible on their own. Offer others opportunities they cannot reach on their own. Finally, share ideas with others that they could not get on their own.

To apply this principle: Forget on what you can get from others and instead focus on what you can do for others. Ask what person, opportunity, experience, place or idea can I give to someone that they otherwise would not have access to. Make a list of your unique skills, resources, experiences, connections that other people do not have access to.


From: 25 Ways to Win with People, by John Maxwell and Les Parrott.