Where do you belong? Are you a giver or a taker?
The work environment is changing and Covid-19 has created an additional challenge. Surely, it has been a learning opportunity for many of us.
You may have heard the terms “takers” or “givers”. You may come across many takers and possibly less givers at work. At the end, you may decide for yourself where you belong.
Takers have the mentality that they’re at work to put in their hours, do the least amount of work possible, but they seem to think they’re working diligently. They can appear to be manipulative to fulfill their needs, engage in self-praise and complain. They tend to target people and occasionally bully new employees.
You probably have had to work with takers. Unfortunately, their conduct leads to a toxic work environment. They may have been at the workplace for a long time and know their job well and everyone tolerates them.
Workplaces are similar to a treasure box, or a bank account which gets replenished only when treasure or money is deposited. The treasure of the workplace is not only its revenue but many other non-tangible things like positive energy, focusing on solutions and not being fixated on problems. Also, truthful employees who engage in ethical conduct.
The givers along with their skills and talents enrich the workplace. Givers have a heart-centered approach to work. They are generous with their resources, skills and time.
Do your part to give when there is an opportunity, even if it is your time when they need you.
How does one become a giver:
1. Be honest and recognize if you are a taker and need to change and stop misleading yourself and others.
2. Decide to change your ways by honestly asking and learning to change from trustworthy colleagues or a boss. Find a giver, he or she may be a quiet one but you can learn from them. You may have to let go of your ego and be open to change in front of others.
3. Stop bullying the new workers, boasting about yourself discreetly and openly, stop complaining about a problem but see how you can be helpful in solving some of these work issues.
4. You may have lost their trust and respect but will regain it once you begin to give.
5. See how you can add to the treasure box of at your worksite.
When you are a giver, you enrich others and the workspace but you increase your treasure box. You will be happier, more at ease and live with less anxiety and this may have a positive effect on your health and in your family life. It will assist in making the work environment more peaceful and productive.
So where do you belong? Be among those who create and contribute to a vibrant culture at work. True leaders give abundantly.
Zafar Ajmal, MD
September, 2021