IT HAS been ingrained into us right from childhood. Be ready to render favours to others. Do what others want and never ever let the thought of exacting repayment cross your mind. Expecting payback is taboo - forbidden to one and all. Helping others in need is the sign of a virtuous man who gallantly never asks for anything in return.
Now comes the twist in the tale. The modern workplace is far removed, infact the antithesis of this moral duty. The quid pro quo rule dominates the market as we live and work by routinely trading favours.
Bartering is the name of the game. Every favour comes with a price tag. Nothing is free anymore. `I'll help you out on the project, but you'll owe me one', is the established practice echoing around the office corridors.
Puritans turn up their noses at the thought of such undiluted, self-centred pettiness. But, you have to keep in mind that trading favours is a simple give-and-take, a sort of non-monetary payment for services rendered. This mutual help network suits the purpose of everyone involved. Like organisational behaviour associate professor at Columbia University, San Francisco, Francis Flynn says, `Those who do a lot of favours for each other are more productive, but not those who do favours but get little in return'.
If you are the type who will do anything, anytime for anybody, watch out. Routinely doling out free favours will label you as a pushover and an easy mark. Your willingness to help will make you the all-time favourite scapegoat as people make you roll over and perform at their bidding. They will not hesitate to wipe the floor with you and what is more, will relish the process too.
Making the right moves
Do you want to be the only one pulling the weight of everyone's workload while the others ride on your coattails? Do you fancy being dumped with the work that everyone avoids? Well, it is time to sit up and take notice. The following will help you to become an expert trader in the favour bazaar.
Press the advantage - Do not consider yourself too virtuous or proud to stoop to trade favours. A modern day wise man remarked, `Favours are like money earning interest in the bank'. You have to make the best use of them.
Line your ducks in a row - Be prepared with what you want. Draw up a `shopping list' so to speak. Then, if someone approaches requesting a favour, you will not be left clutching at straws.
Lay your cards on the table - Once you agree to do the favour, tactfully ask for what you want in return. Do not accept vague promise of payback. Establish the exchange right away. Complete the task efficiently and insist on him keeping his part of the bargain.
What to ask for - What can you seek in exchange is the million-dollar question. Follow the thumb rule - never ask for more than the intrinsic value of what you are giving. Infact, request for a little less than the actual worth and you will emerge smelling of roses. The receiver will be thrilled with the deal and willing to comply in the future. Also, do not haggle over it; you are not buying vegetables!
Payback time - Trading favours is a two-way street. You have to do something to get something. If you ask for a favour, keep in mind that you have to pay the price too. Be prepared to repay your debts with a few reciprocated favours. Like a Roman writer remarked, `The person who receives the most favours is the one who knows how to return them'.
Everyone gains - Do not focus strictly on your own job. Be open and willing to barter favours. It will not only boost overall productivity but enhance your career path too. Calling in favours can also come in handy when you find yourself in need or trouble.
So, the next time a colleague asks you for help on a marketing plan, cover your back by asking for something in return.
To misquote a popular adage, `Nothing is more expensive than a free favour!'
Now comes the twist in the tale. The modern workplace is far removed, infact the antithesis of this moral duty. The quid pro quo rule dominates the market as we live and work by routinely trading favours.
Bartering is the name of the game. Every favour comes with a price tag. Nothing is free anymore. `I'll help you out on the project, but you'll owe me one', is the established practice echoing around the office corridors.
Puritans turn up their noses at the thought of such undiluted, self-centred pettiness. But, you have to keep in mind that trading favours is a simple give-and-take, a sort of non-monetary payment for services rendered. This mutual help network suits the purpose of everyone involved. Like organisational behaviour associate professor at Columbia University, San Francisco, Francis Flynn says, `Those who do a lot of favours for each other are more productive, but not those who do favours but get little in return'.
If you are the type who will do anything, anytime for anybody, watch out. Routinely doling out free favours will label you as a pushover and an easy mark. Your willingness to help will make you the all-time favourite scapegoat as people make you roll over and perform at their bidding. They will not hesitate to wipe the floor with you and what is more, will relish the process too.
Making the right moves
Do you want to be the only one pulling the weight of everyone's workload while the others ride on your coattails? Do you fancy being dumped with the work that everyone avoids? Well, it is time to sit up and take notice. The following will help you to become an expert trader in the favour bazaar.
Press the advantage - Do not consider yourself too virtuous or proud to stoop to trade favours. A modern day wise man remarked, `Favours are like money earning interest in the bank'. You have to make the best use of them.
Line your ducks in a row - Be prepared with what you want. Draw up a `shopping list' so to speak. Then, if someone approaches requesting a favour, you will not be left clutching at straws.
Lay your cards on the table - Once you agree to do the favour, tactfully ask for what you want in return. Do not accept vague promise of payback. Establish the exchange right away. Complete the task efficiently and insist on him keeping his part of the bargain.
What to ask for - What can you seek in exchange is the million-dollar question. Follow the thumb rule - never ask for more than the intrinsic value of what you are giving. Infact, request for a little less than the actual worth and you will emerge smelling of roses. The receiver will be thrilled with the deal and willing to comply in the future. Also, do not haggle over it; you are not buying vegetables!
Payback time - Trading favours is a two-way street. You have to do something to get something. If you ask for a favour, keep in mind that you have to pay the price too. Be prepared to repay your debts with a few reciprocated favours. Like a Roman writer remarked, `The person who receives the most favours is the one who knows how to return them'.
Everyone gains - Do not focus strictly on your own job. Be open and willing to barter favours. It will not only boost overall productivity but enhance your career path too. Calling in favours can also come in handy when you find yourself in need or trouble.
So, the next time a colleague asks you for help on a marketing plan, cover your back by asking for something in return.
To misquote a popular adage, `Nothing is more expensive than a free favour!'
PAYAL AGARWAL
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