Buy Nothing

I participate in a local “Buy Nothing” group where people exchange things within the community. I used it when I moved offices to rehome some items I no longer had room for in my new space but thought others might find useful. It was a wonderful experience to give those things away.

Another interesting part of this group is seeing what others are offering—items I didn’t necessarily think had value, but others do. Sometimes people give away a stack of paper bags or an empty container, and others genuinely want these items and request them.

This experience made me realize that we probably have more abundance in our lives than we think. There’s something powerful about seeing what people offer and what others need. It can help us appreciate just how much abundance we already have.

Leaders can apply this same mindset of abundance in their daily work. Here are three simple ways to do that:

• Recognize Hidden Value: Just as someone sees potential in what another might overlook, leaders can look for untapped talent or ideas within their teams. Ask yourself, “What strengths might I be missing in the people around me?” Sometimes, a person’s hidden skill or insight can become the team’s greatest asset. (Hint — an easy way to learn what they love doing is to ask them what their interests are outside of work.)
• Share Generously: Abundance grows when it’s shared. Whether it’s sharing credit, time, or resources, leaders who give freely often find that trust and collaboration increase in return. Look for small ways to share your expertise y mentoring, teaching, or simply offering help where it’s needed.
• Celebrate What You Have: It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, such as budget, people, and time, but gratitude for what is available creates energy and optimism. Begin meetings by noting one thing that’s going well or one contribution worth recognizing. That small shift can remind everyone that abundance is already present. It can also focus them on seeking those out on their own.

When leaders see the value in what’s already around them, they inspire teams to do the same—and that’s how abundance multiplies.