Introduction
Give and Take is A Revolutionary Approach to Success, written by Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In this book, Grant delves into the concept of “giving and taking” in the professional world, challenging conventional wisdom about success and proposing a new approach to achieving it.
Through his extensive research and real-life examples, Grant argues that the most successful people are not necessarily the most talented or intelligent, but rather those who have mastered the art of giving and taking in the workplace. This book offers a fresh perspective on the importance of generosity, empathy, and collaboration in both personal and professional life, and is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their relationships and achieve success in their careers.
good returns from give and take
In The First Chapter the author explores the concept of pro-social motivation and its relationship to success and well-being. Pro-social motivation refers to the desire to help others and make a positive difference in the world, rather than simply pursuing personal gain or status.
Grant argues that people with pro-social motivation tend to be more successful and fulfilled than those who prioritize their own interests over the needs of others. He provides several examples of successful individuals who have achieved great success by prioritizing the well-being of others, such as George Washington Carver, a scientist who dedicated his career to helping poor farmers in the South, and Jaap Korteweg, the founder of the Vegetarian Butcher, who aims to reduce the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
Grant also explores the role of giving in promoting pro-social motivation, arguing that giving can be a powerful way to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life. He discusses several studies that have shown that people who give tend to be happier, healthier, and more successful than those who focus primarily on their own needs and desires.
The chapter also explores the concept of “giving circles,” groups of individuals who come together to pool their resources and make donations to charitable causes. Giving circles are shown to be an effective way to promote pro-social motivation and foster a sense of community and connection among members.
Overall, the chapter suggests that prioritizing the needs of others and cultivating a sense of pro-social motivation can lead to greater success and fulfillment in life. By giving back to others and contributing to the well-being of those around us, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life for ourselves and those we serve.
The Peacock and the Panda from give and take
In the chapter “The Peacock and the Panda” the author uses the metaphor of two animals, a peacock and a panda, to explore how givers and takers approach self-promotion and success.
The peacock represents the taker, who is eager to promote their achievements and often exaggerates their accomplishments to gain attention and status. Takers are generally more self-focused and may prioritize their own success over the needs and interests of others. They are willing to engage in self-promotion and put their accomplishments on display, often using their achievements to gain power and influence.
On the other hand, the panda represents the giver, who is more modest and focused on helping others. Givers are typically more concerned with the well-being of others and may downplay their own achievements to avoid appearing self-centered. They are less likely to engage in self-promotion and may avoid drawing attention to themselves in order to focus on serving others.
Through the story of a successful salesperson named John, Grant shows that both self-promotion and humility can be effective strategies, but they need to be employed strategically based on the situation and audience. John, a natural giver, initially struggled to promote himself and his achievements to potential clients, often downplaying his accomplishments and focusing on helping others.
However, John learns that he needs to balance his natural inclination to give with a willingness to promote himself and his accomplishments in order to build credibility and gain the trust of potential clients. By highlighting his achievements in a way that shows how they can benefit his clients, John is able to become more effective at self-promotion while maintaining his commitment to helping others.
Overall, the chapter suggests that while it may be uncomfortable for givers to self-promote, doing so can help them succeed and have a greater impact. However, it’s important to balance self-promotion with humility and genuine concern for others, as excessive self-promotion can backfire and damage one’s reputation. Givers can learn to adapt their communication style and employ strategic self-promotion to achieve their goals while still prioritizing the needs of others.
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The Ripple Effect from give and take
This chapter explores how our actions and behaviours can have a profound impact on the people around us, creating a ripple effect that spreads far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.
Grant argues that our interactions with others can have a powerful impact on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and that this impact can spread to others in a cascading effect, creating positive or negative cycles of behavior. For example, acts of kindness and generosity can inspire others to act in similar ways, creating a virtuous cycle of giving and positive behavior. Conversely, negative behavior and mistreatment can lead to a cycle of harm and negative behavior, spreading the negative effects far beyond the initial interaction.
The chapter provides several examples of the ripple effect in action, including a study of hotel housekeepers that showed that simply informing them of the health benefits of their work led to increased exercise and weight loss. The chapter also explores the impact of positive and negative leadership, showing how leaders who foster positive relationships and behaviors among their employees can create a ripple effect of positivity and productivity throughout the organization.
Grant also explores the role of small acts of kindness and generosity in creating a positive ripple effect. By showing kindness to others, we can inspire them to do the same, creating a positive cycle of behavior that can spread throughout our communities and beyond.
Overall, the chapter suggests that our actions and behaviors can have a powerful impact on the world around us, and that by fostering positive relationships and engaging in acts of kindness and generosity, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and make a positive difference in the world. By recognizing the power of our actions to create positive change, we can work to build a better, more giving world for ourselves and those around us.
Finding the Diamond in the Rough from give and take
Here Adam Grant explores the concept of identifying and nurturing talent in others, with a particular focus on recognizing potential in those who may not fit traditional molds or meet standard criteria.
Grant argues that traditional hiring and talent identification practices often overlook individuals who may possess unique skills or potential, but who may not have the same educational or experiential background as others. By relying too heavily on resume screening and other metrics, organizations risk missing out on diverse perspectives and innovative approaches.
Through numerous examples, including the story of legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, or “Coach K,” and his successful recruitment of a player who did not fit the traditional mold, Grant shows that by looking beyond traditional metrics, organizations can discover hidden gems of talent and foster a culture of innovation and success.
Grant provides practical advice on how to recognize and develop this kind of talent, including strategies such as using alternative hiring processes, providing opportunities for mentoring and skill development, and offering supportive feedback and recognition.
By championing the development of diverse talent and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, organizations can unlock the potential of individuals who may not have been given the same opportunities in the past. By doing so, they can reap the benefits of fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and increased success.
Overall, the chapter “Finding the Diamond in the Rough” highlights the importance of recognizing potential in unconventional places and people, and offers practical advice for how to do so effectively. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, organizations can create a more diverse and successful workplace, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable and just society.
The Power of Powerless Communication from give and take
In this chapter the author explores the idea that communication is not just about conveying information, but also about expressing our values and building relationships. The chapter focuses on how the use of “powerless communication” – communication that acknowledges our vulnerability and expresses our genuine feelings and intentions – can be a powerful tool for building trust and fostering positive relationships.
Grant argues that powerful communication – communication that asserts dominance, control, or authority – can be effective in certain contexts, but it can also lead to defensiveness, resistance, and backlash. Powerless communication, on the other hand, can be more effective in building trust, promoting cooperation, and creating a sense of shared purpose.
The chapter provides several examples of powerless communication in action, including the story of a nurse who uses vulnerability to build trust with a skeptical patient, and the example of a CEO who uses humble and honest communication to build a sense of community and shared purpose among his employees.
Grant also explores the role of authenticity in building trust and fostering positive relationships. By expressing our genuine feelings and values, we can create a sense of authenticity that resonates with others and fosters trust and connection. This can be especially powerful in situations where there is a power imbalance, as powerless communication can help to level the playing field and build mutual respect and understanding.
Overall, the chapter suggests that communication is not just a tool for conveying information, but also a powerful means of expressing our values, building relationships, and creating a sense of community and shared purpose. By using powerless communication and expressing our vulnerability and authenticity, we can build trust, foster positive relationships, and create a more giving and supportive world.
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The Art of Motivation Maintenance from give and take
In the chapter “The Art of Motivation Maintenance” the author explores the idea that maintaining motivation over the long-term can be a difficult task, and that there are certain strategies that we can use to stay motivated and engaged over time.
Grant argues that motivation is not a fixed state, but rather a dynamic process that is influenced by a variety of factors, including our environment, our social relationships, and our own mindset and beliefs. He suggests that there are several key strategies that we can use to maintain motivation and engagement over time, including setting clear goals, cultivating a sense of autonomy and control, and seeking out social support and positive feedback.
The chapter provides several examples of these strategies in action, including the story of a high school football coach who uses positive reinforcement and social support to motivate his players, and the example of a company that creates a culture of autonomy and trust to keep its employees engaged and motivated.
Grant also explores the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our work and activities, arguing that a sense of purpose and a connection to a larger mission or goal can be a powerful motivator. He suggests that by aligning our work and activities with our values and passions, we can create a sense of purpose and meaning that can sustain us over the long-term.
Overall, the chapter suggests that maintaining motivation and engagement over time requires a combination of strategies, including setting clear goals, cultivating a sense of autonomy and control, seeking out social support and positive feedback, and finding meaning and purpose in our work and activities. By using these strategies and staying focused on our values and passions, we can stay motivated and engaged over the long-term, and make a positive impact in the world.
Chump Change from give and take
Grant argues that many people underestimate the power of small acts of kindness, believing that they are insignificant or that they won’t make a difference. However, he suggests that these small acts can have a big impact, both in terms of the positive effects they have on the receiver and the psychological benefits they provide to the giver.
The chapter provides several examples of micro-moves in action, including the story of a manager who uses small gestures to create a culture of generosity and kindness in his workplace, and the example of a couple who use small acts of kindness to keep their relationship strong and resilient.
Author of give and take also explores the idea that small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and generosity throughout our social networks. By modeling generosity and kindness in our own behavior, we can inspire others to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of giving and receiving.
Overall, the chapter suggests that small acts of generosity and kindness can have a big impact, both in terms of the positive effects they have on the receiver and the psychological benefits they provide to the giver. By embracing the power of micro-moves and making small acts of kindness a part of our daily lives, we can create a more giving and supportive world, one small gesture at a time.
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The Scrooge Shift
In the chapter “The Scrooge Shift” from the book “Give and Take” by Adam Grant, the author explores the idea that giving is not just about being generous with our time and resources, but also about finding ways to be more efficient and effective in our giving. The chapter is named after the character Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, who famously experiences a shift in his behavior from being miserly to being generous.
Grant argues that many people struggle with finding the right balance between being generous and being strategic in their giving. He suggests that by being more intentional and strategic about our giving, we can make a bigger impact and help more people.
The chapter provides several examples of how people can make a “Scrooge shift” in their giving, including the story of a teacher who learns to focus on the most effective ways to help her students, and the example of a philanthropist who uses data and analysis to identify the most effective ways to make a difference.
Grant also explores the idea that being strategic in our giving can be more satisfying and rewarding than simply being generous. By focusing on the most effective ways to help others, we can feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our giving, knowing that we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Overall, the chapter suggests that giving is not just about being generous, but also about being strategic and effective in our giving. By making a “Scrooge shift” in our behavior, we can find ways to make a bigger impact and help more people, while also feeling a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our giving.
Out of the Shadows
In the chapter “Out of the Shadows” the author explores the idea that many introverted individuals are overlooked or undervalued in the workplace, and that this can have negative consequences for both individuals and organizations.
Grant argues that there is a cultural bias in many workplaces towards extroverted behavior, which can lead to a preference for individuals who are outgoing, assertive, and sociable. This bias can result in introverted individuals being overlooked for promotions or opportunities, despite their valuable skills and contributions.
The chapter provides several examples of how introverted individuals can bring unique strengths to the workplace, including their ability to focus deeply, think creatively, and build strong relationships with others. The chapter also explores strategies that introverted individuals can use to help them succeed in a workplace that may not be designed to accommodate their needs.
Grant also suggests that organizations can benefit from a more balanced approach to talent management that values both extroverted and introverted individuals. By recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all employees, organizations can create a more inclusive and diverse workplace that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the modern business world.
Overall, the chapter suggests that there is a need for greater awareness and appreciation of the contributions of introverted individuals in the workplace. By recognizing and valuing the unique strengths of all employees, organizations can create a more inclusive and effective workplace culture that benefits both individuals and the organization as a whole.
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Conclusion
The book is structured around three distinct types of people: givers, takers, and matchers. Givers are those who prioritize helping others and giving without expectation of return, while takers prioritize their own self-interest and aim to receive as much as possible from others. Matchers aim to balance their giving and taking, ensuring that they are treated fairly in return.
Grant argues that in the long run, givers are often more successful than takers, and that givers are also able to create more collaborative and successful workplaces. He provides extensive evidence that giving is not only beneficial for others, but also for the giver themselves.
Throughout the book, Grant presents compelling examples of how giving can lead to success, from the story of Wharton professor and networking guru, Keith Ferrazzi, to the rise of social entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie and his company TOMS Shoes.
The book also provides practical advice and strategies for readers to become more effective givers, such as setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks, and learning to recognize and deal with takers in the workplace.
In conclusion, “Give and Take” is a powerful and compelling book that challenges traditional notions of success and offers a new model for achieving personal and professional fulfillment. By highlighting the benefits of giving and providing practical advice for becoming more effective givers, Grant offers a roadmap for success that is both moral and strategic, and ultimately contributes to a more collaborative and compassionate world.
