Givers, at Both Ends
The lowest performers are givers. So are the highest. The difference is whether the giver protects their own interests.
- Evidence
- solid
- Topic
- Influence
- Things to do
- 3
- Read
- 1 min
solidHow strong is the evidence?
Good evidence behind it, but fewer people have checked it independently.
- Adam Grant, Give and Take (2013)
Why it works
Giving builds a network that compounds for decades; giving without boundaries is simply subsidising other people's work. The successful version is “otherish”, not selfless.
What to do about it
- Default to five-minute favours: an intro, a recommendation, a pointer. High value to them, low cost to you.
- Give generously and ask explicitly. Not asking is what turns a giver into a doormat.
- Screen for takers once and act on it. One taker consumes what ten givers return.
Where people go wrong
Keeping score. Scored generosity is a transaction and everyone can feel it.
Read next
- The Strength of Weak TiesJobs, deals and opportunities arrive mostly from acquaintances, not from close friends.proven
- The Seven LeversReciprocity · Commitment & consistency · Social proof · Authority · Liking · Scarcity · Unity.proven
- Give a Reason, Any ReasonCompliance with a small request rose from 60% to 93% when the ask included the word “because” — even with a meaningless reason.solid
- Small Yes FirstAgreement to a tiny request substantially raises agreement to a much larger related one later.solid