If I give you 20 Dollars, what would you do with it to get the maximum amount of happiness? If it was 100 Dollars? If you said, you would donate or give to a cause, that was the right choice. How can you get the maximum happiness for yourself, both as a professional and when operating a company.
Give and Give Frequent
Giving can benefit us. There have been conclusive studies at the Univention of British Columbia, that there is causality between giving and being happy. Young children can already feel positive about it.
There is little dependence on income. Once you have taken care of the basics shelter, food, heat, and clothing, you will benefit from giving. The benefits are even more significant than buying luxury goods.
It also is important to notice, that it does not depend on the sum you are giving. Giving smaller amounts more frequently is better than a higher lump sum. You are getting a reminder that you are donating to a worthy cause. Just do not set it up and forget about it. Giving is the one transaction, to make in person.
Be Public
Every once in a while we see social competition about donations. The famous one still today is the Ice Bucket Challenge. Being open about your gift, and getting celebrated for it, is excellent for your emotional well being. We all love acknowledgments for what we are doing.
Likewise, we like to be a leader and stand out. Thus, being one of the only ones about your circle of friends can give you the satisfaction to be a forerunner as well.
If you are deeply involved with a project, you can also motivate others to donate. Calling out your colleagues in person can be a great way to get others to give publically. Of course, that only works with causes everyone can agree on such as cancer research but less with a donation to your Alma Mater, the Jacobs University Foundation of America for me. As long as it is a call to action and not an embarrassment, no one will feel wronged about being asked to donate.
Encourage Others to Give
As leaders in our companies and communities, we should be an example to others. Being public is just one step o encourage others to give. Corporate giving programs and joined actions by the board of a for-profit company can significantly enhance your benefits. This group benefit is quite logical, as we love to fit in our social groups.
Corporate giving programs are another way to show leadership and responsibility. You build not only a way for your company to position itself but also create a community thinking within your staff. Naturally, that only works well, if you pay your employees a living wage.
Focus on the Giving
In business, we often focus on furthering our connections and sales. No matter whether we serve on charity boards or give to public charities we are often looking to promote our business. However, if we expect a return value, we diminish the benefits we receive. We again turn the giving into a business transaction.
I made this experience personally. About four years ago, I decided to join a charity. My main reason was that a number of my customers were active there. As such, I thought about the time and money I donated as part of a business transaction and did not appreciate the charity cause. Consequently, I never felt fulfilled about the time I offered.
Numerous studies confirmed this, including studies at Harvard and the University of British Columbia.
However, it does not mean, that you cannot profit from the interactions. It just should not be the forethought of the giving.
Conclusions
Money can buy you happiness. However, the way you get to the point is not necessary to buy things, but to give to others. A lot of times, we mindlessly donate and do not talk about it. Without making a conscious choice about where our money is going to, we risk giving becoming a bill, like taxes or food. Donating to causes worthy of your time and money should be a priority for every board member.