If you want to find out if someone’s a taker, it’s not actually that useful to know what they’ve accomplished. What you want to want to know is how they explain them.
What’s the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the notion of identifying “takers” in interpersonal and professional relationships. It suggests that understanding how individuals explain their accomplishments and successes is a more telling indicator of their character than simply evaluating their achievements.
In many situations, people are evaluated based on their accomplishments and what they have achieved. However, this quote challenges this conventional approach, proposing that we should pay closer attention to how individuals explain their achievements. The way people describe their successes can reveal valuable insights into their mindset, values, and whether they are primarily motivated by self-interest or a sense of shared success.
For instance, individuals with a giving and collaborative mindset often attribute their accomplishments to teamwork, mentorship, and support from others. They are more likely to acknowledge the contributions of colleagues and the role of luck or external factors in their success. In contrast, “takers” may tend to attribute their achievements solely to their own abilities and downplay the contributions of others.
By focusing on how individuals explain their accomplishments, we gain a deeper understanding of their humility, perspective, and willingness to share credit. This insight is valuable in discerning whether someone is a team player, a collaborator, or primarily motivated by self-promotion.
In essence, this quote encourages us to move beyond a superficial evaluation of achievements and instead examine the narratives individuals construct around their successes. By doing so, we can gain valuable insights into their character, values, and whether they are more inclined to be givers or takers in their interactions with others.
Who said the quote?
The quote “If you want to find out if someone’s a taker, it’s not actually that useful to know what they’ve accomplished. What you want to want to know is how they explain them.” is often attributed to Adam Grant (Bio / Quotes). Adam Grant is an American organizational psychologist and author known for his books “Give and Take” and “Originals” and his TED Talks on motivation and success.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
