The Generosity Factor

by Kenneth H. Blanchard, S. Truett Cathy

A modern day parable teaching the joy of generosity, service, and relationships. In the tradition of the best-seller The One Minute Manager, authors Ken Blanchard and fast-food entrepreneur S. Truett Cathy (Chic-Fil-A) create a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity. The Broker is a young man on the way up the corporate ladder who has found a niche for making money through high-tech investing. His imposing home, his chauffeur-driven limousine, his deep-sea fishing boat, and his rubbing shoulders with leading New York executives create the illusion of success, yet deep inside he is restless and feels insignificant. He reads an article about The Executive, the CEO of a very large and successful company, who claims the greatest joy in his life is his ability to give to others. This piques The Broker's curiosity. He thinks he might get a competitive edge by meeting with The Executive. The Broker is impressed by all the antique and collector automobiles in the first floor lobby of The Executive's office building. 'He must really worship cars,' he tells The Assistant. 'Not at all,' The Assistant says. 'He displays these extraordinary machines to inspire us--to remind us that each of us is unique.' The Broker's worldview continues to be shaken and turned upside down as he talks to The Executive and hears the principles that form his life. The Executive describes the plan he has developed that turns giving into a tremendous pleasure. He calls it The Generosity Factor--a way to give time, talent, treasure, and touch to those in need. The advice The Broker receives and the relationship he develops with The Executive provide a pleasant surprise and a unique twist on what it means to truly succeed--whether in business, at home, or in life.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Christian, Personal Growth

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Ken Blanchard, one of the most influential leadership experts in the world, is the coauthor of the iconic bestseller, The One Minute Manager, and 60 other books whose combined sales total more than 21 million copies. His groundbreaking works have been translated into more than 27 languages and in 2005 he was inducted into Amazon’s Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 bestselling authors of all time.

Ken is also the cofounder and chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies®, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California.

When he’s not writing or speaking, Ken also spends time teaching students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego. Ken can be found at www.kenblanchard.com.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read but nothing new about a theme of "tis better to give than to receive". Or "to those to whom much has been given, much is required" Blanchard uses a parable story as he has in other books, and I admit that it no longer works for me. I would have much preferred a straightforward discussion of how one moves from success to significance by being generous with one's time, talent and/or treasure. At its core it is a story of giving one's life over to God and how to use God's gifts/blessings to make a positive impact in other people's lives. Those people who are affluent should find more balance in their lives eschewing materialism for gratitude and generosity towards others. It certainly isn't all about money to have a positive impact on others; so that anyone no matter their financial status can find significance or fulfillment in their relationship with others and dedication to community.
The principles highlighted in the book are ones we should live by, but as Blanchard points out when he describes the difference between held values and operational values. We can't just talk the good talk but must act on those values.
FYI: The Co-author of the book is the founder of Chick-Fil-A and this is his story.
It's simply a matter of seeing a need, being blessed with the resources required to meet the need, & then actually acting to meet it. It's one thing to think about ways to help others, it's quite another to act.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"● He Owns It All.
● Every Day Is an Opportunity.
● Action is Required.
● Remember Your Blessings.
● Thank Him." (Kenneth H. Blanchard & S. Truett Cathy, The Generosity Factory, Page 104)

This book was co-authored by the late billionaire S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A restaurants. It is actually about him, but you don't know this until the very last page of the book.

According to the author, this book was not written to bring glory to this billionaire, but was to set an example of generousity because he opened foster homes, adopted hundreds of children, and did so many actions of generousity. If you read the letters in the quote above in an acoustic, you will see the first letter of each of these principles spells "HEART."

This book reads like a short story about a Broker, Executive, Reporter and a Driver. The Broker is a pretty selfish guy who is only looking out for number 1 at the beginning; however, he reads an article in the newspaper about an Executive that catches his interest, and then goes to investigate if this Executive is the real deal. He then sees how blessed the Executive lives his life and then begins to change his own life by going back home and implements the principles of "The Generosity Factor" he has learned by the philosophy and example he has seen up close.

Generousity spoken about here is not just about money, but also about using our time and talents to solve problems for others.

I'll leave you with one of my favourite highlighted quotes from this book,

"But the truth is, a pat answer has never solved a problem. It takes dedicated people, devoted time, and donated dollars to solve problems.
Giving-of talent, time, and money-can hurt. It can mean sacrifice. An individual who gives may have to forego a new computer or season tickets to a favorite sporting event. A family that gives may have to pass on two extra days of their vacation or a bigger audio system in the new car. A corporation that gives may not be able to reassure its shareholders with the answers they demand. A church or synagogue that gives may have to forget about its own perceived needs for a new video projection system or some other elaborate, costly improvement to its facilities.
The flip side is that giving has tremendous rewards. These rewards can become evident in a variety of dimensions-emotional, relational, financial, and even spiritual." (P. 11)

[Leah Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't give to get. Get to give. (pg 68)

Meet the Broker, the Driver, the Executive, and the Reporter. Each character in this parable-like story has something to learn, something to teach, something to give. The Broker is a self-made man who forged his own success despite being born into money. With his every whim fulfilled by those beneath him, he is smug in his success and tries to ignore a sense of insignificance. His life is changed by a few days spent with the Executive--a man who cares for success only because it gives him the opportunity to help others.

This is a very simple book. Imagine the story of The Ultimate Gift (the video version) wrapped up in parable format. There were no earth shattering new concepts in it's pages, but it was nevertheless a refreshing book with good reminders. I closed it feeling affirmed in my desire to help others and encouraged to daily seek ways to be generous.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Really puts life into perspective. Love the story and how the elements were woven through the characters. It makes it even better to know this is a TRUE story and very attainable.

Very moving and inspirational! Loved how he planned to pay it forward and lead with heart everytime.

[Stanley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work on generosity. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone...

[Ace Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these principles

This was a very easy yet profound read, providing solid frameworks on how to understand the importance and practice of giving. Highly recommended

[Russell Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! An easy to read book that inspires and spreads the name of God. Just like the Broker, I too am looking to change my HEART. It’s not easy to be connected with God. And i understand how it takes time for the Executive to truly communicate this important message of GENEROSITY to the Broker. It’s simple yet not... the words can be heard but it takes a lot more to understand. The key is listening with the heart. Only then will you find what you are looking for. :)

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books starts very powerful with a fictional story and weaves a nice narrative and tactful messaging pushed through that storyline.
Author emphasises on enjoying life and living a fulfilling life with simple meaningful living and generously giving.
Though the pitches on religion can be avoided completely which messes up the book. Overly done generosity too sometimes not impactful.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read a Christmas Carol instead.

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling little book! I thought it'd be another 'sermonette' on giving but Blanchard simply, yet beautifully, weaved out a story out of the topic which gave the book more readability and spontaneity. The ending blew me away with the 'but wait, there's more?!' effect.

I liked the book for touching on some of my most favorites: the difference between the DRIVEN and the CALLED (the former views relationship from PROTECTIVE posture while the latter from a FOSTERING attitude), 3 M's (I thought this principle was originally from the church where I currently attend), MODERATION (again, I'm a fan of balanced perspective), and APPLICATION (HELD VALUES are different from OPERATIONAL VALUES if, of course, they don't match).

Disclaimer: Remember the saying 'a man sees only what he carries in his heart'? That might be the reason why I found this book amazing. Right now I have this dealing from God about my relationship with my family and those around me at the church and the office. I'm realizing that attachment to principles had frustrated me because I'm still too self-centered after-all. God's now fixing the way I feel, think and behave towards other people because it is they that matter. It seems that when God is at work, every material that you read, every person you get in contact with and every circumstance that you encounter--everything takes on new meaning, the ordinary suddenly becomes special, everything seems to bring their message so close to home! My review of this book may look lousy, trivial and sentimental, but I find delight in the author's conclusion: it all comes down to HEART. So to me, the Bible-beltish words written on this book's pages are still a treasure to find. Blessings to the next reader whom I will give a copy of this book. :D

[Caffeinated Fae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book and rolled your eyes so many times that you thought they would get stuck like that? Well, if you're looking for a book to experience the feeling, this is the book for you.

Personally, the thought behind this book was interesting and I hoped that I would learn something from it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. All this book talked about was God. God this, God that, etc. It was done in such a preachy way, I couldn't enjoy it. I kept wishing that it was more subtle and not preachy.

I am not a religious person but I usually can get through religious books without wanting to gag myself with a spoon. I'm glad that I didn't purchase it and that it was a gift.

If you're a religious person, you may like this book. I personally found it way too preachy and not something I would ever recommend.

[Sundra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not mesh with my spiritual center at all. There may have been a passage or two that I can use when thinking about generosity or giving, but there was way too much fundamentalist Christian and patriarchal focus in this for it to feel relevant to my world. I could not stop pondering the division between the heroic portrayal in this book of S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A, and the scandal that the Chick-Fil-A foundation, WinShape Foundation, got into over their lack of love and generosity toward same-sex relationships and LGBT people. Not a book I'd recommend.

[Rachel Reece · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quaint is the best word to describe it. Simple, and idealistic, it presents inspirational ideas, but doesn't really connect them with actual life. One of those stories where people could say it "takes you back to a simpler time and place". But Truett Cathy is such a great man!

[Elsje · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to remind you of life's priorities. Also a quick read.

[Holly Curby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2018 I was invited by the Chick-fil-A Foundation to take part in a one-year leadership program, The Fellows. Through this leadership program I would visit places where I could see and hear the stories of many who would pour in me their wisdom, challenge my mindset and open my eyes to various perspectives. I was reminded the value of time and the gift time is to both extend it to others as well as receive it. Through the time of my program-assigned-mentor via phone calls every other week, the time of top executives from various organizations sharing their tips learned through their years of leadership, the time extended of the Fellow participants to listen to others in need and/or be a resource to them, and the time of a CEO of a national company opening his home for an evening celebration of a year’s hard-work…I saw first hand that time IS a gift!

As the saying goes, “People may not remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” The Fellows made me feel valued and inspired. Through the entire year I continued to be amazed at the investment this company was making in us…three trips, meals, lodging, speakers, care packages mailed to us each quarter, even a day at Disneyland, California. It wasn’t until I read this book that it truly clicked…The Generosity Factor.

This is an easier read, short in pages (114 pages), broken down into seventeen smaller chapters which encourages one to keep reading, and is in a captivating story-telling format that draws you in and makes it virtually impossible to put down.

The story tells of a Broker who is not the least bit considerate of others, especially his Driver. The Broker soon learns from a Columnist about an Executive who sees himself as a “caretaker – a manager of the things He (God) actually owns” who feels that it is his responsibility to manage it all well and then use those resources to help others. Totally perplexed by this concept, the Broker travels to shadow the Executive for a few days where he sees this man’s generosity in action. While there he learns some valuable tips such as:

Four things we all have to give: Time, Talent Treasure and Touch

The Lesson of the coin: Wisdom (be smart), Justice (be fair) and Moderation (live life in balance)

The three M’s: Master (who do you follow), Mission (what is your purpose), and Mate (with whom do you want to share your life)

The five key principles: He owns it all, Every day is an opportunity, Action is required, Remember your blessings, and Thank Him

Although I already knew this was co-authored by S. Truett Cathy, it wasn’t until reading the book and it’s descriptions of this Executives work environment and how he treated his employees that I vividly recalled my experience observing such through my time in the Fellows program – spoiler alert – the Executive WAS the founder of Chick-fil-A, the very company who provided me all of these priceless experiences through the Fellows program. I, myself, am living proof of this book’s authenticity. Wow! Mind blown!

So, why did I include this review as professional vs. personal? This book seems to challenge other companies at looking not only at what you can do for yourself and overall company profits, but rather seeing one’s company purpose being “to get in order to give.”

www.hollycurby.com/resources-list

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written like most of Ken Blanchard’s books, communicating his messages through a leadership fable. Blanchard wrote the book with Truett Cathy. Those familiar with the life of the Chick Fil-A founder will recognize many things in the book that point to his life and the culture of Chick Fil-A.
In the book, we are introduced to a few primary characters. First, we meet the Broker, a young man who has a successful online brokerage house. But he had rejected his father’s attempts to instill an old-fashioned work ethic in him. He is disgusted by an unkempt Bag Lady who he sees daily outside of his high-rise, eventually calling the police on her.
We also meet the Broker’s Driver, who served time as a young man, but benefited significantly from the Teacher, who poured her life into the young men in the institution. As a result, today the Driver is known as a gentle, caring man, a father and husband.
We are introduced to the Executive, who built a multi-state chain of auto parts and service centers from a simple idea in a single location. He now has more than eight hundred auto service centers and parts outlets scattered throughout the southwestern United States. The Broker reads a story in his favorite financial newspaper about the Executive who claims that the greatest joy in his life was his ability to give to others. This is inconceivable to the Broker, who decides to call the Executive. That conversation leads to the Broker, described as the hardest, coldest man in New York, to travel to meet the Executive, who may well be the most tenderhearted man in Denver.
Over the course of a few days the Executive shares with the Broker the elements of a plan that makes it a pleasure to give, which he calls the Generosity Factor, to the Broker. The Executive shares his secret so that the Broker can change his world, just as the Executive has changed his. He shares concepts such as Time, Talent, Treasure and Touch, as well as the impact his faith has had on his generosity. He also shares the “three M’s”, Master, Mission and Mate and the importance of the blessings in our lives. But will the Executive be able to get through to the cold-hearted Broker?
I really enjoyed this simple story, that communicates important truths.

[Nathaniel Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possession, Service, Gratitude, Impact, Enough

Whether you're religious or not this book goes over what I've found to be the truths that sit at the bedrock of human happiness and meaning. Service, Gratitude, and Enoughness.

I'm not religious but I do value the works of philosophy and religion that have survived thousands of years. They are usually touching on elements of the human condition that science has not found an explanation for that maps onto the brain or survival incentives.

If you're into Christianity then you'll love it. Even if you're not, l'd still recommend giving it a try for all the psychological and philosophical similarities it has to Buddhism, Stoicism, Modern Psychology, and Minimalism.

[Tullius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Mindset book. A short and sweet book that anyone can read in a day or two depending on reading speed but the meaning is a lot deeper.

Overall the narrative follows a businessman over the course of a week or two as he learns the basics of generosity from a wise man. He only teaches him the guidelines on how to be generous. The narrative follows the idea of "Tell the men what to do, not how do to it." The idea being, I'll give you some outline, but its up to you how to execute and that's okay for something like that. There are a few side characters that learn lessons indirectly through experiences with the businessman.

I highly recommend this book for those seeking perspective.

[Rodney Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another important life-lesson from Ken Blanchard

Although no one would mistake Blanchard’s leadership parables for profound and skillful literature, they always teac important life-lessons. The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure is no exception. The fact that the story so closely parallels the real-life example of Truett Cathy is a wonderful bonus. He was truly a great man in many ways, and this book helps provide the key to his legacy. Read and grow!

[Marcos Alves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The generosity lessons are good and clear, well written and described on an easy to understand and act way. But it was more religious than I expected and than it was clear on the book description. Though it doesn’t take the value of the lessons, personally I don’t believe you must be religious to be generous. Generosity may come from the heart even from those who don’t do it just because of God - but because they love people and love to give.

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book as I really like Ken Blanchard and I was keen to read the combined book with the founder of Chick-Fil-A. However the characters did not have depth and the story line was not engaging. I know his books are short and to the point but this one just did not connect. I still gave it three stars I probably would have given 2.5 if possible. There are still same great points on generosity in it and looking at everything you have as being on loan and not really yours.

[Kelly Valencia-Aiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am So Sad I Finished It Already!

I didn’t make but just a few pages in before my eyes sprung a leak—one that continued throughout the duration of reading the book. My goodness, what an incredible book! It’s a well-written presentation of the life of an amazing person who truly lives generously. The story was perfect for delivering the information. Excellently done, Mr. Blanchard. May the world be more like the Executive!

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a revealing telling of the power of Generosity and personal dedication
I've heard Ken Blanchard speak and his power of story can motivate and inspire. Unfolding in this short book is the story of the Chick-fil-A founder and others who believe the inspiration of HEART can change your life, and others.

Sometimes those gifts do not manifest so quickly, but they have an impact, and the book is a lesson in the multiple impacts.

A great read, sometimes emotional, and inspirational.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as stories go, it wasn't the most captivating. But the shortness of the book, the discoveries, and the principles made it worth the read. Blanchard and Cathy have given us a readable tale that describes "The Generosity Factor" - giving because we've been given so much. It's a decent read, and I recommend it.

[Ayesha Ratnayake · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is valuable if it convinces people to give more of themselves, but I was put off by the stereotypical and alienating suggestion that God and the bible are the only route to unselfishness. A secular approach would have appealed far better to a diverse audience - and in effect, been more generous.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s cheesy and cliche with the same ol’ sayings we’ve heard time and time again - “It’s better to give than to receive.” However, with this book, he makes up a story to bring action into the saying to bring the old fashioned saying to life. Except … it’s not made up (it’s based on a true story!). And it’s not old fashioned. And it’s not just a cheesy saying. Once you read the entire book, put all the pieces together, it creates a beautiful script on how to live your day to day life. And - interestingly enough - this was the exact sermon in church today: you can’t just claim you’re a Christian, you have to confess with your mouth, believe in your heart, and do works to show that your actions embody who Christ was. It’s definitely worth the quick read.

[Chad Zody · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is written as fiction but is probably based almost entirely on Truett Cathy's life. It will challenge the thinking of most Christians. If you intend to live like this parable suggests expect a lot of blow back from everyone around you. I give this a 4 since I'm not a huge fiction fan.

[Minh Huong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuốn sách là câu chuyện về chàng trai thành đạt nhưng sống vị kỉ, và câu chuyện a gặp người điều hành sống chia sẻ và yêu thương.
Bài học về việc Cho đi, ko chỉ là Tiền Bạc, Thời gian mà là Tài Năng và Sự quan tâm của bạn.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Go Giver’ is one of my favorites, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book due to its storyline and similarity to TGG. The author does a great job getting the point across through a story that reads quickly and easily. I finished listening to this book in 2-3 days. Short and sweet, and packs a powerful punch throughout. I love stories of generosity!

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

What a wonderful story and word illustration depicted within this book. Quick read with great hidden truths revealed in an impactful meaningful way. I recommend this material.