By Adam Grant
Very thought-provoking book which challenged some of my thinking on who winners and losers might be. His premise is that people are either “givers, matchers, or takers.”
Givers: People who are willing to give of their time, network, expertise, and money to others with no expectation of receiving anything back.
Matchers: Pretty much what the name implies…people who will give but are expecting something in return.
Takers: They tend to plow you over on their way to the top. There have been some very successful “takers” over the years like Carnegie, Rockefeller, and such, but they may not have been the most well-liked that is for sure.
Adam Grant gives numerous examples supported by research throughout the book. The most amazing statistic is that givers often end up at the bottom of the success ladder…and at the top. It depends upon what type of “giver” you are. If you give too much, sometimes it is at your own detriment and some people will take advantage of you.
Bottom line though, Grant makes a persuasive argument to support the idea that “givers” will come out ahead in the end. Sometimes it will take a few year before you see the results, but it is best to “give” with no expectations of return, build your reputation, and give more. People will remember you and support you as you move forward and in times of need. (I think of It’s a Wonderful Life with George Bailey).
One example is how “givers” in Med School often did poorly in their first two years as they spend more time helping others which means less time for studying. But the final two years of Med School requires more collaboration and this is where they truly shine. By the end of their studies, they are often at the top of their class.
My mother always said it was better to “give” than “receive” and I think she was on to something. Thanks Mom, RIP.
