Adam Grant (2014) Give and Take

Grant, A. (2014). Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success. Penguin Books.

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant presents a new perspective on success, particularly in work environments, through the dynamics of “giving,” “taking,” and “matching” behaviours. Grant categorises people as givers, who contribute without expecting anything in return; takers, who prioritise personal gain; and matchers, who maintain a balance by reciprocating exchanges. The book’s core argument is that givers, while sometimes exploited, can achieve long-term success and satisfaction by building genuine relationships and cultivating goodwill. In exploring this, Grant synthesises psychological research, anecdotes from various fields, and practical advice on fostering a giver’s approach to workplace interactions.

Key takeaways

1. Givers can achieve exceptional success in collaborative environments due to the goodwill and trust they build, which often opens doors to opportunities.
2. Boundaries are crucial for sustainable giving; those who overextend themselves often experience burnout. Selective generosity can mitigate this risk.
3. Networking works best with genuine generosity—small, regular efforts to support others, such as the “five-minute favour,” can lead to high rewards over time.
4. Positive organisational culture can thrive with givers because they contribute to an ethos of mutual support and growth, which enhances team productivity.
5. Success often depends on character and collaboration more than individual achievement. For those in higher education, prioritising mentorship and partnership can drive positive impacts.

Practical implications for academics

1. Building reciprocal relationships: Academics can foster meaningful partnerships by offering genuine support to colleagues and students, even through small acts, such as sharing resources or feedback.
2. Adopting strategic generosity: In higher education, where burnout is common, balancing giving with self-care is essential. Academics can focus their generosity on specific, impactful projects rather than diffusing their energy across numerous minor obligations.
3. Mentorship as a pathway to growth: By mentoring with an emphasis on collective success, faculty can nurture a supportive environment, potentially reducing the sense of isolation often experienced in academia.
4. Expanding professional influence: Academics can broaden their networks by connecting people with shared research interests, akin to Grant’s “five-minute favour.” This not only strengthens networks but also builds reputational capital.
5. Leveraging collaborative research: Embracing a collaborative rather than competitive approach to research can amplify both individual and group success, reinforcing the idea that giving can enhance personal and professional fulfilment.

Grant’s insights provide a framework that can alleviate the competitive mindset common in academia, promoting instead a culture where collaboration and mentorship become pathways to shared achievement and personal well-being. Through this lens, academics can cultivate a more supportive and resilient professional environment, benefiting not only themselves but also the broader academic community.