Is the workplace really as dog-eat-dog as we think?

But is ruthlessness really the route to the top, or have we been barking up the wrong tree all along?

We spoke to Richard Brown, Global Head of Brand at EZRA, to find out why take, take, take isn’t how you succeed in the workplace.

Enter givers, takers, and matchers

“It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that those who take more than they give get ahead,” says Richard.

Yet the data tells us otherwise.

Research by Adam Grant found that people often fall into groups of either givers, matchers, or takers. Look at most success metrics, and it’s not takers you’ll find at the top. Nor even matchers. It’s givers.

Why giving is the way to go

“It’s much better to be someone who gets a round in – metaphorically speaking,” Richard points out.

And that’s because generosity has some pretty neat ripple effects.

Giving fosters innovation and performance

When people guard ideas and resources like chew toys, innovation suffers.

But “When giving behavior flourishes, cross-collaboration becomes common and individuals feel encouraged to speak up,” Richard explains.

Generosity helps turn “me” cultures into “we” cultures, where people actively want to share.

Giving strengthens trusted networks

Givers are great connectors, too, weaving a web of goodwill as they go. And once people get caught in it; they’ll stick around.

“Micro-connections today turn into massive networks tomorrow,” Richard tells us.

Because we all want to deal with people we trust.

Sustainable giving

Take another look at those success metrics, though, and you’ll notice something strange. It isn’t takers languishing at the bottom. It’s the givers once again.

The reason?

As Richard points out, “Endlessly people pleasing and letting your own priorities fall by the wayside only leads to burnout or exploitation.”

In other words, when it comes to their own work, they’ve got nothing left to give.

So how can we make sure we keep giving to others, without taking it out of ourselves?

Give smarter, not more

“It’s important to remember that being a giver doesn’t mean being a martyr,” says Richard.

“Set boundaries,” he advises. Use the power of “no, but…” to decline requests that drain you and “Learn to give where you can make a difference.”

And remember, the best givers know when to receive as well.

Try 5-minute favors

It could be a quick introduction, a link to a useful resource, or a bite-sized nugget of feedback. Five-minute favors give generosity a laser-guided focus, maximizing impact rather than outlay.

“A five-minute task for you could mean an hour saved for them or elevate their work to be something truly great,” Richard points.

The very definition of win-win.

The role of organizations can support generous giving

But reaping the full benefits of giving requires elevating it from individual quality to organizational norm.

Only then can “…Cultures, innovation, and trust flourish,” as Richard puts it.

Get the right people on board

So, why not just hire a load of givers?

The problem is that takers are the living incarnation of “one bad apple spoils the bunch” – the negative fallout of their presence far outweighs the positive impact of givers.

Instead, focus on avoiding takers, watching for “I” rather than “we” language and the tell-tale tendency to stress impacting people above rather than lifting up those below.

Recognize helpers as heroes as well

Make a concerted effort to recognize those people who help elevate others, rather than getting dazzled by who shouts the loudest.

Richard suggests organizations should “Include ‘helping others’ in private performance reviews and publicly praise acts of generosity,” to help make that happen.

Giving it our all

When it comes to the workplace, “Most people are matchers,” Richard tells us. “But to begin to truly thrive we need to get into the habit of giving.”

Because, the truth is, the secret to success at work isn’t competition. It’s contribution.

Keep that front of mind every day, and we can start creating cultures of trust and belonging where every dog has its day.