It is the Season for Giving. But, Are You Indeed a Giver or Taker?

The holiday season is synonymous with generosity, but giving extends far beyond gifting presents or holiday cheer. How you approach giving in your daily life and career has a profound effect on your success and the relationships you build.

The Risk of Being a Taker

Takers prioritize their own interests above others. They may achieve short-term gains but often face long-term setbacks as their reputation for self-interest grows. Takers can drain trust from their networks, making it harder to sustain relationships and long-term opportunities.

Taking and the Scarcity Mindset

1. Fear of Loss

   • Takers often act out of fear that there isn’t enough to go around. They believe that for them to win, someone else must lose.

   • Example: A taker might withhold information or resources, fearing that sharing could give someone else an edge.

2. Competition Over Collaboration

   • With a scarcity mindset, takers view others as competitors for limited resources, leading to self-serving actions.

   • Example: A taker might sabotage a colleague’s efforts or claim sole credit for a shared success to secure their own position.

3. Focus on Immediate Gains

   • Takers prioritize short-term benefits over long-term relationships. Their scarcity mindset drives them to seize opportunities without considering how their actions affect others.

   • Example: Cutting corners or exploiting others to get ahead may bring temporary success, but it often harms their reputation and relationships over time.

Giving and the Abundance Mindset

1. Belief in Plenty

   • Givers operate from a belief that resources, opportunities, and success are abundant. They understand that helping others doesn’t diminish their own prospects—it enhances them.

   • Example: A giver will share knowledge or make a valuable introduction, knowing that their generosity can create mutual growth.

2. Collaboration Over Competition

   • With an abundance mindset, givers see the value in collaboration, believing that lifting others up strengthens the entire team or community.

   • Example: A giver will mentor a colleague or share credit for a project, confident that success isn’t a zero-sum game.

3. Fulfillment Through Contribution

   • Givers find joy and purpose in adding value to others’ lives. They trust that what they give will come back in unexpected and meaningful ways.

   • Example: Volunteering time to help others, even when there’s no immediate personal benefit, often leads to richer relationships and opportunities later.

Why It Matters, Especially During the Holidays

The holidays are not just a season of giving but a moment for reflection. Your giving style influences not only your personal relationships but also your professional trajectory. Here’s how:

• Building Trust and Connection: Genuine giving fosters deeper, more authentic connections with others. This trust creates a network that naturally supports you when you need it most.

• Career Longevity: Those who give generously without becoming doormats often rise to leadership roles, as they are seen as trustworthy and supportive team members.

• Personal Fulfillment: Beyond career advancement, giving brings a sense of purpose and joy. Helping others often enhances your own happiness and well-being.

Explore Further:

• Read: Adam Grant’s Give and Take

• Watch: TED Talk: Are You a Giver or a Taker?

• Learn: How Generosity Impacts Success – Harvard Business Review

This holiday season, consider how you can embrace the spirit of giving in a way that transcends presents under the tree. The impact could ripple through your relationships, career, and beyond. 🎁✨

Happy Holidays!