Thought Leadership

We live in a world of takers, givers, and matchers. Takers are perceived as self-centred because they think more about themselves than anyone else. Givers, on the other hand, are selfless. They think about others and believe that kindness begets kindness. They hardly expect anything in return, which makes them more likeable.

Matchers are in between. They are often heard saying, “You be nice to me and I will be nice to you.” Studies and practical experience reveal that givers attain long-term success.

If you are wondering how you can gain by giving read further:

1. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Kindness has a tremendous impact on people. People remember you for your personality and are automatically attracted to you. Thus, if you are a giver, you are by default more sociable and amiable.
   Takers don’t showcase these qualities and that makes them less sociable. Really, not many would like to get close to self-centred people. Thus, givers develop deeper and stronger connections at work and outside of it
2. 2.Kindness, like an boomerang, always returns: Most people in the world are matchers. This means they are more likely to be kind to you if you are kind to them. Givers are always kind and when they help a matcher, they get something in return. This reciprocity works to the givers’ advantage more than people realise.
3. Kindness is the root of all good things: Giving brings with it a lot of satisfaction and happiness. These feelings motivate givers to work harder and with more dedication. Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, and kindness in giving creates love
4. Unlocks doors that were thought to be closed: Givers have ability to make other people realise their biggest strengths. That’s the mark of a great leader. Thus, givers generally make excellent leaders.
5. If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. Through giving you develop new skills and learn many new things because you are usually exploring something new. When you give, you learn and grow.

Why some givers are taken for granted

Givers are of two types: Those who know when to say ‘‘yes’’ and those who don’t. If you agree to walk an extra mile to help someone, say yes to everything that’s asked, and never reject a plea of help people around you will start taking advantage of you.

Successful givers are kind but they do not allow people to walk all over them. In other words, they know when to say yes; they are selective and considerate at the same time.

They have clarity about how, when, and whom to help. They achieve a balance between their own dreams and their nature to help.

Not all takers fail; some achieve great success

Some takers have also seen a lot of success. It is important to remember that giving and taking is not the only thing that determines success. There are many factors such as hard work and talent that come into play.

Having said that, you should know that takers who reach the peak quickly take the fall fast. Givers, on the other hand, achieve lasting success.

We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give, so said former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Mr Bharatam is the founder and chief mentor at Kuza Biashara Limited, a capacity building organisation which coaches youths and SME owners in Kenya. He also chairs Entrepreneurs Organisation for Africa

source : http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/Gain-by-giving--Kindness-is-a-great-act-of-wisdom/539550-2655500-df4qelz/index.html