Play Book Tag discussion

Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam M. Grant - 3* - My Review

Business-oriented book that looks at how people approach professional relationships, dividing them into three styles: givers who contribute without expecting immediate return, takers who aim to get more than they give, and matchers who seek equal exchanges. The author is challenging the commonly held belief that “nice guys finish last” and is encouraging more giving. The premise of this book is that givers can achieve exceptional success, but it requires setting boundaries to avoid being steamrolled. Grant supports his premise through research from the fields of psychology and organizational behavior.

The book defines the three styles, then provides examples of how people succeed or fail using each method. It includes such topics as networking, reputation, ethics, responsiveness, and more. It is a little more business oriented than I had hoped when I picked it up, since I think giving is important to society (as a whole), and we are currently watching the effects of self-interest as the primary motivating factor. I agree with the author that it is important for businesses to encourage a collegial and cooperative environment and reduce the hyper-competitive approach, but this book does not address the root of the issue, which goes far beyond the workplace.