Much of our society is built on transactions. People watch our economy every closely. And it’s not just with money, we trade all the time – with family, with friends, with our bosses, and sometimes even with God. Today I’m going to explain how taking makes everyone lose.
give to GET
First off, I’m not talking about out right stealing. What I’m talking about is how many of us approach the trade. We give to GET – with the emphasis on the getting.
This is how many of us approach business, our workplace, and our relationships. We might argue that it isn’t so, but it’s evident in how we talk and in our actions. Here are some examples:
statement: “Business is evil. They’re all greedy and just after our money.”
action: Business owner charges $500 for a $2,000 item.
Both of these assume that business by it’s nature just gives to GET, with the business owner afraid of taking from the customer.
statement at work: “They don’t pay me to do that.”
The employee is giving to GET.
action: Waiting to be fulfilled in my marriage
In my marriage, I’m giving to GET.
The trouble is that this type of transaction always harms relationships. When a business manipulates us into buying their product or service and we have a crappy experience, we’re not going back.
When we do the minimum at work, our employer isn’t to excited to keep us on. Conversely when we as the employer don’t pay our top people what they are worth, we eventually lose our good employees.
A great many marriage troubles come from both spouses giving to GET with each other.
We have to keep in mind that the transaction we’re entering into right now doesn’t happen in an isolated vacuum. How we handle the transaction in front of us always influences the next transaction. And it doesn’t take long for “give to GET” to make everyone dissatisfied and unhappy.
‘giving to GET’ really is a form of taking when we’re giving a little to get a lot. Taking makes everyone lose eventually.
GIVE and Receive
Instead, I think we should GIVE and Receive, with the emphasis on the giving. When we focus on our giving, we will receive. Sometimes in a particular transaction, we may lose. Most of the time, though, we will receive abundantly.
The real kicker is that most people will be eager to come back for more. Our boss will want us to do more, which if they’re smart, will involve a promotion or a raise. Our spouse will want more of us, and will be willing to give us more in return. If we’re in business, instead of having to find new customers all the time, we’ll have a great amount of repeat business.
So, what about you? Do you find that you think often of what you’re getting, or do you focus attention on what you’re providing and putting out there?
