Based on his research, Grant has identified three basic kinds of workers: takers, matchers, and givers. 

 

Takers see the workplace as a competitive, dog-eat-dog place. "If I don't look out for myself first," takers think, "no one will." 

 

Matchers believe that work relationships are governed by even exchanges of favors. 

 

Givers are other-focused, paying more attention to what other people need from them. Their hallmark is generosity at work.

 

Surprisingly, Grant has found that only 8 percent of people describe themselves as givers at work. That's because most people assume that in the workplace givers will never get ahead in their career. 

 

Also, when people are stressed out at work, their first instinct is to retreat into a taker mentality. But Grant's research consistently shows that givers are among the most successful people in business. They may also be the happiest.

 

In one study, Grant found that givers who were high school teachers were less vulnerable to stress and exhaustion if they saw the impact their giving was having on their students. 

 

Being a giver at work also has lasting benefits on well-being outside of work. In a study of 68 firefighters, those who helped others on the job felt happier at home at bedtime than those who did not.

 

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

 

Wow!  What a potent verse of scripture.  What would our homes, communities, and churches look like if everyone actually lived that verse, and allowed God to sit on the thrones of their hearts?

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word