Adam Grant's book Give and Take is, in my view, one of the most important management -- and life -- books ever written because it makes such a compelling evidence-based case that, to get ahead in life, you don't have to exploit people or be selfish jerk.  "Takers" who act that way often do better in the short-term, but if they can learn to avoid being exploited or getting burned-out, Adam shows that "givers" win over the long haul.  On top of this, the blend of Adam's smarts, warmth, generosity, and persistence make him one of the most appealing authors and researchers I know -- and a darn good marketer and someone I am always delighted to help (and I am always rooting his success).  On that note, check out the email he sent out to various friends who have been fans of Give and Take. Check out the goodies, the fun, and that great attitude of Adam's. Spread the word about his book, and help him out, as the message is so great and he is a giver who deserves our help!

Friends, colleagues, and former students,

Thank you very much for your support of Give and Take over the past year. On March 25, the paperback edition will debut. If you like the ideas (or me), it will mean a lot to me if you participate in any of the following ways:

1. Give autographed copies as gifts.  To acknowledge the givers in your life, or deliver a subtle hint to the takers, click here to have me sign bookplates that you can stick in books.

2. Spread the word.  Posts on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and [insert social media addiction here] announcing the paperback’s arrival will be much appreciated. In the spirit of giving, the opening chapter of the book is now available for free download.

3. Vote for a workplace of givers.  I’m on a global search for the organizations where employees exemplify helpfulness. Winners will receive a giant box of Give and Take books and media attention. Nominate organizations and vote here.

4. Visit me on tour.  I’m speaking at public events this spring in Atlanta, Denver, LA, Philly, NYC, and Washington DC. Here’s the schedule.

5. Sign up for my newsletter. To stay in the loop on my work, click here.

6. Contribute to a Give and Take discussion group.  To start a live book club at your organization, email Marissa Solomon, and she’ll help you coordinate (m.solomon15@gmail.com). For a virtual book club, join our new LinkedIn group.

7. Nominate the most selfish bastard you know for Takers Anonymous.  Just kidding. A 12-step program for taker reform is tempting, but I’d rather focus on helping givers and matchers. That said, if you know people who are self-serving but unaware of it, feel free to share this:

Ten Signs That You Might Be a Taker

10. You look significantly hotter in your LinkedIn profile than in any other photo of you.

9. When a child is asked to draw a picture of you, it sometimes resembles a snake or a weasel.

8. At family dinners, you secretly enjoy grabbing the last cookie.

7. You brag about your SAT score, and you’re not even in school anymore.

6. You’re planning to plagiarize this email to announce your own book.

5. Your Facebook wall is dominated by selfies of you with important people.

4. When your children ask you to read them a story, your first instinct is to ask, “What have you done for me lately?”

3. After reading The Giving Tree, you thought the tree got what it deserved.

2. You’re convinced that most people are takers.

1. You go around telling people you’re a giver.

If you read this far, you must be in a giving mood… or in desperate need of an excuse to procrastinate. Either way, you have my gratitude.

Cheers,

Adam

Adam M. Grant, Ph.D.

Wharton professor and author of GIVE AND TAKE

Web: www.giveandtake.com

Blog: www.linkedin.com/influencer/profadamgrant

Twitter: @AdamMGrant

Magic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1baNQmnRCVw