Why it is Better to Give a Hand Up than a Handout
By Mark Winkle
Winkle Institute of Worldwide Economic Stability
I have recently been asked to speak before a group of business executives and corporate CEOs.
I find this interesting and a challenge as most people at the top of a corporation know little to nothing about the inner workings of their business or the financial numbers involved.
As a consultant and ad hoc advisor to many countries in the past I take a long term look at making the best of a bad situation, then creating a long-term strategy which is flexible enough to fit the egos of present and future politicians, as they inherently know little to nothing about the world economy.
Just as a clock maker seeks to find the errant part, I look for causes and effects, and see what has already been attempted by the clumsy oafs in office. Then I set about gathering facts and data and communicating with like minded people that care only about fixing the problem, placing personalities aside.
In working with the Europea Union on their self-inflicted fiscal crisis from 2013 to 2017, I received no credit for my efforts as the solution was not easy or painless. Politicians prefer easy solutions, as do most people, including corporat executives. Out of twenty-eight countries in the EU at the time, only one has failed to improve substantially. That failure was as a result of a change in political leaders from a pragmatist to a socialist. The socialist returned the country to a begger state soon after taking office, undoing two hard year of effort to reduce the country's deficit.
I am a firm believer in the Old Testament scripture that said, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you: that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” I Thessalonians 3:10. Notice that it doesn't say “cannot work.” Jesus said, “The poor will always be with you.” He didn't say that they should remain poor.
If you provide a person with the opportunity to learn more, thereby giving them the opportunity to earn more, and increase their emotional, financial, and spiritual state, you instill in them the knowledge that wisdom is a valuable asset. If a person is shown how they can contribute to the business at large, and how each individual action in their day, either adds to the company's bottom line or subtracts from it, and how each of those actions affect their income, they become better people at work and at home.
If a person is given the opportunity to earn a trade, rather than being given five or ten dollars at a stop sign, they become better equipped to become a giver instead of just being a taker. While it is easier to write a check, take a vote on which of the millions of charities to support financially, or hand out envelopes of cash at Christmas (which I know many of you did to ease your guilt).
By providing your fellow men and women the opportunity to gain knowledge and learn new information, new ideas, new opportunities to grow as a person, a husband, wife, and help them succeed,
you will see yourself grow as a person as well because you were once a student as well. The gift of knowledge is a gift that keeps on giving.
My son usually comes to me for advice when he has messed something up. He said one day,
“You always have the answer.” I replied, “No, I don't, but I know where to look, and what questions to ask.” “If I don't know anything about the subject I ask a professional in that field.”
The best teachers not only impart knowledge, but they show you how to use that knowledge to improve your life. Unfortunately, our education system in the United States doesn't always do a good job in teaching students how to apply the lessons they learn to real life.
Growing up in a family of seven, my parents found that siblings need their own space. So, we endeavoured to build a garage, a new bedroom, and what became my mother's “storage room” As a teenager, I learned to pour concrete, dig footers, frame, hold my curse words after hitting my hand with a hammer, and put down roofing.
In my children's teenage years, they learned the same lessons from me. While they did not like working for meals, housing, transportation, clothes, and spending cash, they have both helped to rehab their own houses much to my delight and surprise, saving themselves thousands of dollars in the process. I know that while they were learning they would have preferred to watch TV, play video games, or hang out with their friends. But building something solid with your own hands and standing back to see what you have accomplished is always a better use of your time.
I now run a shoestring non-profit called “Please Help Me Now,” ('cause tomorrow's too late). We buy, and rehab derelict houses and sell them to people that can't afford a regular down payment for a house. God willing we will one day go nationwaide. I also do the occasional speaking engagement, no pun intended. If you own your own home, you can help others do the same.
In my research of several large non-profit organizations I have found bloated wages at the top, expensive benefit packages, cars, vacations, paid insurance policies, and the like (most of which were received from corporations like yours). Those excesses could have better been spent on helping individuals improve their lives instead of padding the pockets of those in charge.
Many years ago, I met John Kenneth Galbraith III, who at that time was worth $40 billion dollars. By far the financially wealthiest man in the world. He was also the saddest man in the world. He only saw his four children when they needed money. He had no true friends. He was always trying to find ways to make more money. He missed out on a lot in his lifetime.
He said, “Why should I help anyone else. No one helped me.” If I gave everyone that passed me a $100 it wouldn't help them change their life.” I agreed with that premise, but carried the converation a step further. “What if you gave scholarships to your employees, or initiatives to learn more efficient ways to do their jobs?” He sourly replied, “Just another hand out if you ask me.” I said, “If it comes from your heart and not your wallet, it will make a world of difference to them.”
One day on my travels I was swiftly walking to catch a bus. A homeless man cried out to me, “Please sir, I haven't eaten in three days.” I quickly took the $20 I was going to give another person in need and handed it to him, never breaking my stride.” He shouted after me, “God bless you!” I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around to face him. I said, He just did and he always does.”
Unfortunately, I selfishly didn't stop to ask more questions or help him get shelter, let alone job training. Upon arriving at the bus station I learned that the bus had had engine problems and would be forty five minutes late. I had been given plenty of time to truly meet hi needs.
On a different evening in Louisville, Kentucky, my ride was hours late. So, I went for a walk.
I met upon a man lying drunk in the street who, you guessed it, asked me for money. I asked him, “What do you intend to do with God's money? (As all money comes from God, don'tcha know? )
He replied, well, if I still have it in the morning I plan to get something to eat. “ So, I handed him a sandwich.” I said, “Now what?” He then said, “Well, I guess I'll catch a bus.” ” “Where to?” I asked.
“Well, I don't rightly know” he said.
To that I replied, “A man without a plan or a goal goes nowhere.” “You might as well just lie down in traffic and be done with it.” To this, he got angry and tried to get up to fight me, but he was too drunk. He said, “Do you think I'm suicidal or something?” I said, “Well, you obviously are. You are lying next to a railroad and anything could happen. God's got a strange sense of humor, you know?”
As he go angrier, he said, I'm broke, not stupid. I lost my house, my wife left me and took the kids.” I replied, “So here you are, feeling sorry for yourself.”
Now let me stop for moment and explain something to you. I study people. I love to find out what makes them tick. Now, I'm not a gambling man, but I bet this guy $375 cash money if when I saw him next, he had a job and a place to stay and didn't smell like a brewery, no strings attached. It
would be “his appointment.” God would work out the details. So, about a month later, I happened to be in Louisville, Kentucky again and you guessed it, I took a walk. I almost missed him as he was picking up his belongings and getting ready to walk to his new apartment. He reminded me of my bet and chastised me for “forcing him to clean his act up.” As he didn't like to lose a bet. The man had reconciled with his wife. He had started a job, and had stopped drinking the night he made the bet with me. I handed him $400. He took his leave. I have seen him since and he has helped dozens of others in his situation.
What did it cost me? Nothing. Some of you said $375. It WASN'T MY MONEY.” It was GOD'S Money!
