“The worst performers and the best performers are givers; takers and matchers are more likely to land in the middle.”

This statement encourages a nuanced interpretation of reciprocity styles and performance. It suggests that givers have the potential for both remarkable and lackluster performance, which is often influenced by factors such as setting boundaries and ensuring that their generosity is not taken for granted. It also implies that takers and matchers, by operating in a more moderate range, might not achieve extraordinary success but are less likely to face significant failures. In a broader context, this quote may serve as encouragement for givers. It underscores that giving does not inevitably lead to underperformance; instead, it can lead to remarkable achievements. For givers, setting clear boundaries, choosing the right giving contexts, and ensuring that their contributions are valued are essential factors in determining their performance outcomes.

“As parents, we read our children books like The Giving Tree and emphasize the importance of sharing and caring. But we tend to compartmentalize giving, reserving a different set of values for the sphere of work. We may love Shel Silverstein for our kids, but the popularity of books like Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power—not to mention the fascination of many business gurus with Sun Tzu’s The Art of War—suggests that we don’t see much room for giver values in our professional lives.”

This quote reflects the complex relationship between personal values, societal norms, and professional conduct. This passage uses the term “compartmentalize” to suggest that people consciously or unconsciously adopt different sets of values and principles when navigating their personal and professional lives. It highlights that, despite teaching and cherishing the values of giving at home, people often approach their workplaces with different, perhaps more competitive, and self-focused principles.