Title: Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success
Author: Adam M. Grant
First published January 1, 2013
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670026555 (ISBN10: 0670026557)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
In Give and Take, Adam M. Grant explores the power of giving in today’s world.
Based on his pioneering research, Grant reveals that success is no longer just about individual passion, hard work, talent, and luck, but rather dependent on our interactions with others. Grant introduces us to three types of people: takers, matchers, and givers.
While takers aim to get as much as possible, and matchers try to trade evenly, givers are the rare individuals who contribute to others without expecting anything in return. Grant shows that these styles have a surprising impact on success.
Although some givers may get exploited and burn out, the rest achieve extraordinary results in various industries. This book combines captivating stories with cutting-edge evidence to showcase how giving can transform individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
Praised by leaders from Google, McKinsey, Merck, Estee Lauder, Nike, and NASA, Give and Take is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate effective networking, collaboration, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills.
About the Author
Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, has been consistently rated as the top professor at Wharton for seven years in a row. He is a leading authority on discovering motivation and purpose in life and nurturing one’s creativity and generosity.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential management thinkers globally and has been recognized by Fortune’s 40 under 40.
Adam has authored five books, including the bestsellers Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. His books have been translated into 35 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal have all recognized his work as some of the best of the year. In 2021, his New York Times article on languishing was among the most widely shared.
Adam is the host of WorkLife, a TED original podcast that has topped the charts. His TED talks on original thinkers and givers and takers have garnered over 30 million views, with his 2016 TED talk earning him a standing ovation.
He was voted the audience’s favorite speaker at The Nantucket Project, and his clients include Google, the NBA, Bridgewater, and the Gates Foundation. Adam writes about work and psychology for the New York Times, has served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon, and has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
He has more than five million followers on social media and shares his latest insights in his monthly newsletter, GRANTED.
Editoral Review
Adam M. Grant’s Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success is a thought-provoking and insightful book that introduces readers to a new way of thinking about success.
Grant is an organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His book challenges traditional beliefs about success, arguing that the key to achieving lasting success is not through selfishness, but through a give-and-take attitude towards life.
Grant’s writing style is accessible and engaging, and he combines data-driven research with practical examples to make a compelling argument. He discusses three main types of people – givers, takers, and matchers – and how their different styles of interacting with others can impact their success.
Throughout the book, he emphasizes that giving should not be mistaken for weakness—it is actually a sign of strength. Without giving too much of the book away, Grant explores topics such as reciprocity rings, networking, and meaningful work.
He posits that in the long run, giving to others can actually increase one’s chances of success, even if it does not yield immediate returns. One of the strengths of Give and Take is Grant’s use of real-life examples to illustrate his ideas.
He draws on the experiences of successful businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and scientists to show how a giving attitude can lead to success in a variety of fields. His message is one that can be applied both personally and professionally, making the book a valuable resource for anyone looking for ways to achieve success.
However, some readers may find that the book overly emphasizes the importance of giving, and overlooks the fact that takers and matchers can also succeed in their own right. Additionally, some readers may find that the book’s advice is more suited to those in positions of power, rather than those who are just starting out in their careers.
Despite these limitations, Give and Take is a valuable book for anyone looking to achieve success in their personal or professional life. Grant’s insights are refreshing and thought-provoking, and his writing style makes the book an engaging and enjoyable read.
Whether you are a seasoned businessperson or just starting out, Give and Take is a book that can offer valuable insights and practical advice. The Washington Post recommends Give and Take to anyone who is interested in achieving success through a new approach to life.
The book is rated a 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on the quality of writing, clarity of ideas, and practicality of advice. The only drawback is that it may not be suitable for those who prefer traditional approaches to success.
Nonetheless, we highly recommend this book.
