Magnanimous

I read an article recently that described the owner of this bakery as a “Magnanimous Worker!” Of course I understood what the author meant but I still had to look it up to be sure. One of the short definitions of magnanimous is “unselfish.”

She was an “Unselfish worker!” Wouldn’t we all like to be described that way?

All of us are nice. And most of us have these outgoing personalities. I would even wager a large portion of my pay check that most of us are even pleasant.


As one of the leaders of our YMCA I am fueled by many questions. Is the reputation of our Y staff one of magnanimity? Is open-handed goodness without strings attached the love we share with people who come through our doors, whether they are regulars or not? Why do we often tout our faith based, servant led culture yet live lives of stinginess?

You have to ask yourself the question; Are you unselfish?
· Do you speak to the visitors who may look a little different or are you selfish with your comments because you just don’t know what to say?
· Do you listen to the rambling stories of the little old ladies or are you selfish with your time and avoid making eye contact with them just so you can avoid the long drawn out conversation?
· Do you ask people how their time in the Y was or how you can make it better or are you selfish in trying to avoid fixing someone else’s problem?
· Do you call and remind people to sign up for programs or are you selfish with your time in feeling like you are babysitting people?
· Do you share with members your story or are you selfish with your own personal life?
· Do you greet everyone with this wonderful over the top greeting or are you selfish with your welcome just for the regular or your favorite members?
· Do you thank people for allowing you the opportunity to serve them as a Y employee or are you selfish with your humility?
· Do you care whether people are losing weight, getting stronger, running faster or further and living a healthier life or are you selfish with your heart and just looking at the time clock?

I love reading the stories of over the top service from Disney, Starbucks, Chick Fil A, etc. I even love when I get the feedback on over the top service from our staff!


We have it in us to be servants. I hope you will take the time to think about how your part of the Y can be unselfish and work hard to translate that passion into your staff!