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# 282: The Return on Generosity
- URL: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/282-the-return-on-generosity/
- Published: 2026-03-16T06:00:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T06:00:42.000Z
- Description: The 'softer' skill that can bring you advantages in your career.
- Author: Matt
- Tags: Newsletter

Most professionals want people in their corner. Far fewer ask whether they are doing the things that earns their support.

A wider surface area increases the number of people thinking about you positively when you are not in the room. It compounds quietly over time. And the fastest way to build it is also the one many people skip.

Investing in others. Mentoring. Sponsoring. Getting in someone else's corner before you need anyone in yours.

That requires something that competitive drive tends to squeeze out. 

Humility. 

Cultivating genuine curiosity about other people's progress. A willingness to make someone else the main character for a while.

The return is real. It just takes longer than most people are willing to wait.

> [The Return on Generosity: read this week's post. ](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/the-return-on-generosity/) 

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### The Stuff

- [So, you want to be promoted?](https://randsinrepose.com/archives/so-you-want-to-be-promoted-pt-1/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)
- [Intentional Learning in practice](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/intentional-learning-in-practice-a-3x3x3-approach?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)
- [How to Make Hard Work feel easy.](https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2026/02/12/make-hard-work-feel-easy/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)
- [Four skills that AI cannot replace (YT)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s%5F765enJBy8&ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)
- [How to succeed where other leaders fail](https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/illustrated-guide-learning-leaders-fail?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)
- [Speed as a habit](https://review.firstround.com/speed-as-a-habit/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)

**Finally**. [Wikicommute](https://wikicommute.vercel.app/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). Make the journey to work an educational experience!

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### Below the Fold

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[Updates from the last seven days](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/weeknote/) \+ [This Week I Learned](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/twil/) about the Hotel of Doom in the DPRK. 

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****Journal Prompt:** What have I learned about myself that surprised me? [Start Writing Now.](https://startwriting.now/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)

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****Elsewhere:** More insights and updates on my [website](https://mattrutherford.co.uk/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk), follow me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matt.rutherford/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk), [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@matt.rutherford?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/rutherfordmatt.bsky.social?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) for updates. 

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