It takes time for givers to establish their reputations and relationships that enhance their success, but eventually their classmates, colleagues, and clients are the ones who will applaud them and their success. When a taker wins in the workplace, it generally means that someone else loses. However, when a giver wins, people are rooting for him or her and the benefits cascade to others. According to Grant, if you want to succeed in the long term, think about ways that you can do your job and be a giver at the same time!
Becoming a Giver:
Here are some suggestions on how to incorporate some more elements of giving into your personal and professional life:
Do five-minute favors. It’s possible for you to accomplish something in five minutes that might take others much longer. If you know that someone needs a favor and it will take you five minutes or less, do it. Don’t think about how much he or she will owe you in the future or whether he or she ever did anything nice for you in the past. Instead, embrace those five-minute favors.
Hone your listening skills. One of the best things you can do in the workplace is listen to others. Aside from other people feeling valued and validated through your listening, you can also learn a lot about your profession and the people around you.
Join a community of givers. You can join any sort of chesed program in your community, whether it is visiting the sick, volunteering at a soup kitchen or delivering Shabbat meals. When you are part of a community of givers, you are supported by the ideals of those around you.
Ask for help. Don’t be scared to ask for help if you need it. Especially if it is a five-minute favor! You will be giving those around you an opportunity to be a giver in that instance. So, help whenever you can, but ask for what you need as well.