When should you move on?

Find the givers and matchers. Avoid the takers.

Clint Betts
August 15, 2024

❝

“Every time we interact with another person at work, we have a choice to make: do we try to claim as much value as we can, or contribute value without worrying about what we receive in return?”

― Adam Grant

In today’s email:

Dear Clint: When should you move on?
Must Read: We can talk about Biden's Ukraine stuff now.
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QUESTION
Dear Clint,

I’ve been working at my company for the past five years, and I’ve noticed that the people who get ahead do so by taking sole credit for team wins, playing office politics (of the negative variety), and constantly trying to one-up other co-workers.

Is this normal? Should I find another job?

Sincerely,

Lindsay

ANSWER
Dear Lindsay,

This one is easy. Yes, you should leave. Today. We only get so many days in life. Losing one at a job or working for a leader who rewards "takers" is not worth it. In my experience, companies and communities led by takers almost always find themselves at the bottom of the ocean. Get off the ship!

What do I mean by takers?

I first learned the term after reading Adam Grant’s book "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success." It's a must-read for any leader. In fact, I'll give away 10 copies to the first 10 people who share this newsletter with a friend and forward that email to me at [email protected].

The book explores how different approaches to reciprocity — giving, taking, and matching — affect success in both personal and professional environments. Grant categorizes people into three types:

1. Givers: Those who give more than they receive, focusing on others’ needs and contributing to their success.

2. Takers: Individuals who strive to get more than they give, putting their interests ahead of others.

3. Matchers: People who seek to maintain an equal balance between giving and receiving.

The book argues that although givers can be exploited and end up at the bottom of the success ladder, they are also more likely to reach the top. This success is rooted in the trust, goodwill, and support they build, which leads to more sustainable and impactful relationships.

Beyond success, ask yourself: Is where you end up on the ladder nearly as important as being able to sleep at night knowing you’re a good person?

Find the givers and matchers. Avoid takers at all costs.

Yours,

Clint Betts

Contact Clint

Email: dear[email protected]

Phone: (385) 217-0670

MUST READ

NYT: Hunter Biden Used State Department While “Big Guy” Was VP

In a dramatic turn of events, The New York Times published a bombshell report revealing that Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, sought assistance from the U.S. State Department for a Ukrainian energy company while his father served as Vice President.

The story has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, suggesting a deeper involvement of the Biden family in controversial dealings than previously acknowledged. The Times report comes at a critical moment, as President Biden recently announced he would not seek re-election, leaving the door open for Vice President Kamala Harris.

You may recall that President Trump was impeached over this very issue. In 2016, Joe Biden publicly pressured the Ukrainian government to dismiss Viktor Shokin, the country's Prosecutor General, whose office was investigating Burisma.

It turns out that Trump was justified in asking Zelenskyy to investigate Biden's family connections and dealings in Ukraine. Instead, Adam Schiff and Alexander Vindman helped impeach Trump, sparking a cycle of Congressional action against him.

Hunter Biden’s involvement with Burisma has long been controversial, especially considering the timing of his board appointment, which coincided with Joe Biden’s role as the Obama administration’s point person on Ukraine.

Community Building 101

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Clint Betts, CEO and co-founder of CEO.com and Silicon Slopes, delivers a detailed and entertaining presentation on the lessons he learned over a decade of building a community.

Members of CEO.com will receive all presentation materials and an exclusive invitation to a Q&A session with Clint following the presentation.