"When two givers come together, transformation can occur — where the new WHOLE becomes infinitely more than the sum of its parts. When a giver attempts to work with a taker, that relationship will only last until the taker has what they want. Or, until the giver realizes what is truly happening. According to research from Wharton professor, Adam Grant, givers are both the least and most successful types of people. Some people give to a fault. They give everything they’ve got and, most importantly, they give to the WRONG TYPES OF PEOPLE. When you give to takers, the pie gets smaller and eventually becomes exhausted. When you give to givers, the pie continually gets bigger and bigger. Thus, being a giver isn’t enough. You need to give to the right people if you want your success and relationships to last. Who you surround yourself with, and who you work with, really matters. I’ve engaged in many business relationships over the past few years — some with givers and some with takers. Takers are very hard to spot in the beginning, because they are very manipulative and cunning. Strategic Coach founder, Dan Sullivan, says he can spot a taker within 10 minutes of being with them. Takers are motivated by greed, not growth. You have to be really intuitive to spot the subtle cues. I’ve decided that, to the extent I can, I’m no longer going to engage in long-term relationships with takers. I’m done with transactional relationships. I prefer relationships that lead to growth and transformation. In order for these types of relationships to exist, you must be willing to face brutal truths. Transformational relationships are messy. If you trust someone, you’ll be willing to engage in ideological conflict with that person. That conflict is NOT about the person, but rather, about moving past breakthrough and toward clarity. Conflict is rough. Most people quit relationships when conflict arises. You’ll know someone is a giver when they genuinely help you without asking for anything in return. And they are truly, genuinely, happy for the success they help you have. Those are the types of people you want to work with. Givers also stay with you when you’re at a low point. They stick with you through conflicts and challenges."

- Benjamin Hardy