I read a story on Bill Gate’s management style several years ago. Apparently his employees measured how good their product or performance reviews went based on how many times he said the F-Bomb.
Anything under 20 was a good review.
Studying Bill Gates early days a Microsoft informs you that he was very driven, rarely satisfied, and highly demanding. You might say that he still is.
These days Bill’s driven by a different dream: to give generously and make a difference in this world.
Along with his wife, Gloria, they established the Bill Gates Foundation in the late 90s, an organization dedicated to giving away billions of dollars to make a difference globally.
In a recent interview, the Gates shared a lot about their endeavors to give away their money and make a difference.
Here’s a few things I noticed….
#1 – They’re not going to leave their kids a lot of money.
Based on studies that show giving kids a rich inheritance is quite unhealthy for them, the Gates have made the decision to give their children “the freedom to do whatever they feel led to do, but with the knowledge that their work is necessary for society and themselves.”
#2 – They’ve committed to give away 95% of their wealth before they die.
This is staggering, considering that Bill Gates is worth 76 billion dollars. That’s an awful lot of money to be given away, and a huge opportunity to do good.
You might think… “Hey, I’d give that much money away if I was that rich.” That’s not always true. Even those with limited incomes can be extremely generous.
Generosity only exists when it’s a priority.
#3 – Giving has changed their lives.
Bill Gates says in this interview: “Giving away our wealth is the most satisfying thing we’ve ever done.” That’s coming from a man who invented the personal computer, pioneered the software development that made computers central to business, and is one of the richest men in the world.
God’s plan is that we give sacrificially, generously, and joyfully.
God doesn’t want that from you. He wants it FOR YOU, because it will change your life!
Here’s the video of the interview with the Gates: