In the pursuit of my multi-year goal to run a half marathon in every state, I just completed my third one, the DC Rock ‘n’ Roll. This springtime race lived up to its name, and it was quite an experience running it when cherry blossoms reached peak bloom. But what made the race a truly outstanding experience were the people. DC showed up with people taking to the streets to cheer the runners on. I got to witness a community in action. The previous two races had some spectators but nothing like the hundreds of people cheering their faces off for us for hours on end. I can understand people cheering for family and friends, but it seemed DC spectators genuinely enjoyed cheering on all of us runners, total strangers. Whole blocks united to create cheer banners, to ring bells, to bang pots and pans, to play groovy music, and to offer snacks (including free beer - not the best drink for a race, but still appreciated the thought.) The spectators were as amped-up as the runners.
The signs along the way helped me push through the hard parts. Some of my favorite cheer signs:
“On a scale of 1 to 10 you are 13.1!”
Stay steady up the hill!”
"All walls have doors"
“You made it to the top of the hill! Way to go!”
The funny costumes made me smile and keep going. Two of the best:
A guy in a funny Chicken costume holding a sign saying “too chicken to race with you.”
A guy dressed like Abraham Lincoln holding a sign saying “the best thing about success is that it comes one step at a time.” I thought it was clever playing on Lincoln’s original quote: “The best thing about success is that it comes one day at a time.”
Even the simple words of encouragement like “stay strong” and “you’ve got this!” gave me a boost and kept me motivated to race to the finish line. Strangers’ high five definitely put more oomph in my steps.
Now, I am still not clear as to why people would come out early on a cold day to spend their Saturday morning cheering from the sidelines, whether altruism, or a feel-good experience, but I know that the spectators played a big role in my DC race experience. They did make all the difference. I finished stronger than my first two races and set a PR despite the hilly course. A little encouragement can go a long way. As a consequence, I have added spectating a race to my commitment list.
But this experience has impacted me not only personally but also professionally. It reminded me of Adam Grant’s book Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. I don’t think the book is revolutionary, but it is very relevant and important to building a successful career. Most of us don’t often get to cheer on people at work. But we should definitely be looking for every opportunity to do so, to become better givers. The book is full of examples of successful givers. However, like any skill, giving has to be just right. And just the right amount is fluid depending on individual circumstances. We need to be strategic in when, who to, and how to give. Giving, or helping others, can drive career success and satisfaction, but it can also derail us if not done in a sensible and intentional way.
According to Grant’s study, both the top and bottom performers were givers. The risk for givers is giving too much at the expense of their own needs and interests. Those who master the art of giving are able to establish strong relationships that enhance their success over the long run. The idea behind being a successful giver is the principle of putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. You have to put yourself first in order to have the capacity to support others. When you empower yourself, your positive energy rises, and you can make a powerful impact on others.
Best tip to be a successful giver: give generously but not too much….
5 Things Successful Givers Do. They -
Show genuine interest: pay attention & project warmth and caring.Listen actively, be open-minded, and communicate with care.
Assume positive intent: give others the benefit of the doubt. Embrace the strategy to be curious, not furious.
Look beyond yourself: explore ways to make a difference. Care about the good of those around you and engage in acts of kindness.
Think win-win: seek mutual benefit. Work toward the common good and best outcomes where everyone wins.
Share the work and the credit: take responsibility for your own work & share the glory. Hold yourself to the highest standards & share the credit for success with other contributors.
You build your reputation by displaying a strong commitment to people and outcomes. This means holding yourself to the highest standards of delivering quality work as well as being someone people like to work with. My parents always told me growing up “a generous giver will always be a gracious receiver.” I have found that to be very true along my career journey – the more you give, the more you get in return, if not material reward than a deeper sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and personal growth.
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