The best bosses and leaders get results by generously giving credit where credit is due.  Jack Welch wrote about the “generosity gene” today in his LinkedIn blog.  Welch writes:

“You’ve seen the generosity gene in action and maybe you’ve even been lucky enough to experience it – a boss who’s overjoyed when you nail an assignment, who’s euphoric to give out promotions, who thinks the very best part of his job is when one of his people gets to go home and tell the family, “I got a raise today.” Unfortunately, you’ve probably also experienced bosses missing this piece of DNA. …. They sit in meetings with the company brass and take credit for ideas spawned in the ranks. These types are wary, in fact, of anyone beneath or beside them looking good. To them, business is a zero-sum game.

The generosity gene is the exact opposite mindset. It’s an in-the-bones, personality-deep craving – to help other people improve, grow, thrive, and succeed. …….. Generosity gene managers inspire trust, and in doing so they unleash productivity and creativity. Their people become fonts of ideas and innovation and paragons of commitment to customers and the work. …. They know they’ll be loved and rewarded for their efforts. Isn’t it great that, in the process, the company reaps the benefits too?”  Jack Welch