Memorial Day is a time of reflection. For some, it’s a day off work. For others, it’s backyard barbecues and the unofficial kickoff of summer. But at its core, Memorial Day is about remembering those who gave the ultimate gift: their lives, in service to something greater than themselves.
They didn’t give with a transaction in mind. There was no expectation of reward, recognition, or reciprocity. It was a selfless offering, one made with courage, conviction, and quiet resolve.
That’s the purest example of what I call a Net-Offering™, giving without strings attached, without tally marks or IOUs. It’s a powerful and sometimes uncomfortable idea in a world that often asks, “What’s in it for me?”
In this month’s theme, Offering Without Expectation, I want to challenge us to think about what it looks like to give like that in our own lives. Not on a battlefield, but in boardrooms. Not in service uniforms, but in everyday moments.
Whether you’re networking, mentoring, leading, or building community, the question is the same:
Are you offering… or are you negotiating?
What We Can Learn From Memorial Day?
The service members we honor didn’t give to “get ahead.” They didn’t post their sacrifices on social media or lead with them in small talk. Their offering was made quietly, intentionally, and in many cases, anonymously.
We remember them because their example transcends time.
And while few of us will be asked to make that same kind of offering, we are all given daily opportunities to live with a similar spirit.
Offering in Business and Networking
Too often, networking feels like a game of chess. You make a move, and wait for the other person to return it. You drop a compliment, and scan for signs of reciprocity. You share a lead, but secretly hope they’ll “owe you one.”
That’s not a relationship. That’s a transaction.
Net-Offering™ flips that script. It asks:
- What if I gave because I could, not because I should?
- What if I helped someone with no timeline or expectation of a return?
- What if I trusted that value shared is never wasted—even if it doesn’t come back to me directly?
That kind of offering creates trust. It opens doors. It builds reputations. And yes, ironically…it often comes back around in unexpected ways. But that’s not the point.
Offering as a Leadership Principle
Great leaders don’t keep score. They invest in others. They mentor without demanding loyalty. They listen without immediately giving advice. They share credit. They model generosity.
And just like the people we honor on Memorial Day, their legacy is often written not in what they got, but in what they gave.
So whether you’re in a leadership role or simply leading by example, here’s your call to action:
Offer what you can. Offer it freely. Offer it without expectation.
The Challenge for May
This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave without expectation, let it be a reminder to reflect on how we show up for others…not for gain, but for good.
And this month, ask yourself:
- Where can I give more freely?
- Who needs help, support, or encouragement that I can offer—no strings attached?
- How can I practice the kind of generosity that strengthens the fabric of my community?
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer isn’t money or time, it’s belief in someone else’s potential. A kind word. A warm introduction. A second chance.
Give it.
Mean it.
Don’t keep the receipt.
