Give and Take
by Adam Grant
Grant sorts people into givers, takers and matchers and shows, with data, that givers end up both at the bottom and the top; the difference is whether they protect their time and give strategically. It is a hopeful book about generosity in work that does not require you to be a doormat.
Read it if…
you are generous and feel used, or you suspect generosity is a career liability.
Skip it if…
you want personal productivity; this is about networks and reputation.
Three things you will actually use
- Give in ways that scale: introductions, feedback, knowledge.
- Chunk your giving so it does not fragment your work.
- Spot takers early and match them instead.
Do this first
Do one five-minute favor for someone who cannot repay you, and track what happens over a month.
Our verdict
Well-researched and encouraging; makes a strong case that kindness compounds.
Compare with other Leadership books
The New One Minute Manager
Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson · Leadership
A brisk primer; useful at the start, forgettable afterward.
CLICK TO SEE
Radical Candor
Kim Scott · Leadership
A useful, well-named framework; the book is longer than the idea needs.
CLICK TO SEE
Team of Teams
General Stanley McChrystal · Leadership
A serious book about adaptability; valuable for leaders of complex teams.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Leadership book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.