As we enter the final weeks of the year, the world around us shifts toward the act of giving. In our personal lives, we often search for the perfect gift to show our loved ones they are valued. But in the world of business, I’ve found that the most impactful gifts aren’t found in a box or a year-end bonus check.
The true “spirit of the season” in leadership is the intentional investment we make in the human beings behind the results.
This week, I’ve been reflecting on a timeless piece of wisdom from the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu:
“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.”
In a corporate world that often rewards “laying up treasures”—hoarding proprietary knowledge, claiming sole credit for wins, or protecting one’s own authority—Lao Tzu’s advice feels radical. Yet, it is the fundamental secret of high-impact leadership.
What does this look like in practice?
- Sharing Knowledge vs. Hoarding Expertise: A leader who “lays up treasures” keeps their expertise a secret to remain indispensable. A wise leader gives that knowledge away through active mentorship and documentation. By teaching your team to solve problems without you, you aren’t losing power; you are gaining a more autonomous, high-performing team and the bandwidth to focus on the next level of innovation.
- Distributing Credit vs. Collecting Accolades: When a project succeeds, a “wise” leader doesn’t stack the credit on their own desk. They distribute it publicly. By giving away the “treasure” of recognition, you gain something far more valuable: deep-seated loyalty and a team that feels safe enough to take the risks necessary for future breakthroughs.
- Investing in the Future (Even Beyond Your Department): Investing time in a direct report’s professional development—even if it prepares them for a role outside your immediate team—is an act of professional generosity. Ironically, the more you help others grow and move upward, the more your reputation as a “talent-maker” flourishes, attracting even better talent to your door.
- Opening Doors and Networks: True “treasures” in business include your connections and your seat at the table. A wise leader uses their social capital to introduce junior team members to key stakeholders or invites them to high-level meetings. Giving others access to your network doesn’t diminish your influence; it expands the reach of your entire organization.
- The Gift of Trust and Autonomy: One of the hardest treasures to give away is control. However, by giving your team the “gift” of autonomy, you empower them to take ownership. When people feel they own their work, the quality of that work rises exponentially, enriching the company’s output far more than micromanagement ever could.
As we look toward the New Year, let’s remember that our wealth as leaders is not measured by the titles we hold, but by the number of people we have empowered to succeed.
A Personal Note on the Season
Before we head into the holiday break, I wanted to share a personal thought. While we spend much of our year focused on targets, growth, and professional “treasures,” this season is a vital reminder to pause and recalibrate.
No matter how much we achieve in the office, nothing replaces the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. These are our true treasures. I hope you take this time to unplug, be present with those who matter most, and recharge your spirit. Value what is most important: the people who walk through life beside you.
Book Recommendation
Book: Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
Why I recommend it: This book is the perfect modern-day companion to Lao Tzu’s philosophy. Wiseman distinguishes between “Diminishers” (leaders who need to be the smartest person in the room) and “Multipliers” (leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the capabilities of everyone around them). It provides a practical framework for how “giving away” your power and intelligence actually makes the entire organization significantly smarter and more productive.