There is a philosophy that all job seekers and candidates should follow in the employment marketplace. In fact, I believe so strongly in this philosophy that I believe employees and hiring managers should follow it, as well.
This philosophy is called The Principle of Reciprocity. It’s a simple philosophy, but it’s a very powerful one that has the potential to change your career and your life. According to The Principle of Reciprocity, when somebody gives us something, that makes us feel as though we should give something back to that person in return.
This principle also works in the other direction. When we give something to somebody first, that creates a feeling in them that they should give something to us in return. It’s almost as if they feel compelled to do so.
Motivational speaker Zig Zigler said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” And that’s the philosophy that job seekers, candidates, employees, and even organizations should have.
In order for you to get what you want at your current employer, you must give other people what they want. In order for you to get what you want in a new employment opportunity, you must be willing to give other people what they want. That means you should be interested in other people and what motivates them and not just preoccupied with yourself.
By consistently giving of yourself and giving to other people, you pave the way for your own success. It’s been my experience that if you give first instead of focusing only on what you want, you can more easily reach your goals.