Are you a Giver or a Taker?
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On instinct, most people will identify themselves as a giver. Being identified as a “taker” is just… well… not very flattering! In fact, we are all givers and takers. Human beings are, quite simply, inter-dependent, meaning we are dependent on one another. The species would not survive if we did not.
Some people seem to be more giver than taker, and others seem to be more taker than giver. It’s just the way things are. In business, we want to surround ourselves with people who are well balanced. You don’t want to be in a group with people who have nothing you can take. In other words, people who are beneath you in most areas. In such a group, you will surely burn out. You are only a giver, and you need to be able to take as well.
Suppose for a moment that you are in a group where you are way beneath everyone else? What then? Can you be a constant taker? Well, you’d best find something to give if you want to succeed. You can offer your services to help with group tasks, you can always find something to give back. Always. Chances are you won’t be the only “taker”. You may find some members of your group that are in a similar position as you that you can give to.
What if you’re not balanced? Quite simply, you won’t last, and if you do, you won’t be successful. Think about it. What relationships do you know of that are one sided work? Think about a marriage. If one spouse is constantly giving and the other taking, what are the chances of a successful marriage? It is wise to seek out people like yourself to work with. People with whom you have something in common, with whom you enjoy being with, and from whom you can learn and grow.
Take a moment to evaluate yourself. Are you a giver or a taker? Do you have a healthy balance? If not, what are you going to do about it?
Is it possible to be so much a giver in one relationship that you have to be a taker in another to balance yourself out? Sometimes I feel that way.
Wow, Cynthia, that shows incredible insight. I think so. Life is all about balance. I think that you may balance “yourself” by giving all in one relationship, and then taking back in another, but if you evaluate each of those relationships, neither one is really healthy. I don’t believe that real balance is ever possible. It fluctuates from day to day, week to week or month to month, but either relationship that you are either total giver or total taker, is unsatisfying. From what I know of you, you are probably more of a giver than a taker.
The reason I started my own blog was to talk about issues like the one you mention here in “Are You a Giver or a Taker?”
Every single one of us has a need to be both giver and taker. Couldn’t agree with you more when you say we need balance.
We’re all on a journey of self discovery. It’s ok to find out where the unbalance is because it’s at that point we’re given the opportunity to change things a bit to get on track. It’s all good!
Seeking balance here results in a healthier and wealthier life.