Are you a giver or a taker? Adam Grant has written a wonderful book titled ” Give and Take” which I recommend that you read. Strangely, many successful people are givers and many unsuccessful people are also givers. Grant suggests that the successful ones are able to look after the needs of others generously and also look after their own needs. They are not door mats. They understand the power of giving of their time and energy to support and help others. They also understand that they must look after their own needs and maintain a balance in their lives. Takers need no explanation. You must protect yourself from them. You need firm boundaries or they will deplete your resources. The matchers will work on a quid pro quo basis and measure exactly. Entire countries work in this way. ‘We won’t help them unless they have helped us in the past or are likely to help us in the future’. Ireland takes the prize as a country that helps others without the expectation of a return.
Reflect on your own behaviour in the next few weeks. Try giving generously without the expectation of a return. Don’t keep score. Make sure you are clear about your own goals and values and keep them in mind at the same time.
