Teamwork Tuesdays — Adam Grant: Givers vs Takers and Matchers

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at University of Pennsylvania and author of several best-selling books, including “Give and Take.” His research focuses on what makes teams effective and cultures thrive.

One of his most quoted lines on teamwork is: “The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.”

Grant’s research shows that the highest-performing teams aren’t built on talent alone — they’re built on a culture of contribution. In strong cultures, people don’t just ask, “How do I win?” They ask, “How do WE win?”

He distinguishes between givers, takers, and matchers. 

• Takers look for personal advantages and want more than they give.

• Matchers trade evenly and give back what they get.

• Givers look for ways to add value to others — making the people and teams around them better.

Givers aren’t doormats. Grant is clear: successful givers set boundaries. They protect their time and energy. But they show up ready, they do their job with excellence and integrity, and they add value to everyone around them.

Culture is a team sport that is built daily by meaningful contributions and actions — not slogans. Small acts. Shared credit. Helping without being asked. Over time, that becomes identity.

And when people feel supported — and know they are expected to support others — trust increases, collaboration improves, and performance follows.

Something to Think About: 

 1 - Are you a giver, a taker, or a matcher, and how can you help create a culture where helping each other win is the expectation, not the exception?