In this guest post, Certified Go-Giver Coach and Life Coach, Linda Ryan shares with us why embracing the Law of Receptivity is deceptively easy to forget.
Enjoy Linda’s post! – Bob Burg
When I became a Go-Giver Coach and began working with Bob Burg, I was shocked (and embarrassed) to realize I was only in harmony with four of the five Laws of Stratospheric Success. As many do, I assumed I understood that fifth law (the Law of Receptivity), which says:
“The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.”
My subsequent experience with teaching and coaching others on the five laws has reinforced my belief that most people assume that Law #5 is one that they understand and follow. Yet, on closer observation, few really do. An easy way to tell if you are in harmony with this law is to think back to a time when someone grabbed the bill for coffee or lunch. How did you respond? Did you say “thank you” or did you feel uncomfortable and say something like “You don’t have to do that”?
Here’s an example that happened recently with someone whom I, and most likely anyone who knows him, would without question call a Go-Giver. This man did a teaching with a group we both belong to. His presentation was fantastic and I appreciated his effort so much, I wanted to send him a small Thank You gift. I sent an email to congratulate him on the awesome presentation and ask for his address, so I could send him the gift. Here was his reply:
“Thank you my friend! It was fun! You’re sweet! Send the gift to _________ (his coach). She sure has been great for me!! Have a magical night and thanks again!”
I responded by pointing out he was working against the Law of Receptivity. He quickly understood and probably felt as surprised as I did when Bob Burg pointed out a similar example with yours truly. Just because something appears basic and simple does not necessarily mean we fully understand it. Understanding this law has definitely helped me to say thank you more and protest less; it has helped me to truly be a Go-Giver.
So how would you grade yourself on the Law of Receptivity? How do you respond when someone gives you a compliment or grabs the bill for lunch? Do you enthusiastically accept it with the same appreciation you feel when you receive a wrapped gift on your birthday? Or are you inclined to “reject” it, by saying something like “Oh no…let me get it!”?
Great post Linda. This one can be a hard one to really get. Not only do you have to be open, in business you have to make it easy for customers to find and do business with you.
Thanks Doug! You have to be open and… open 🙂
Good point! I always say “are you sure?” I shall make a mental note to accept graciously next time. Thanks Linda
Lisa, I think “Are you sure?” is way better than “You don’t have to do that” or “I don’t want you to do that!” Becoming conscious of this made a big difference for me, as I became aware of how “ungrateful” my awkward responses were. Thanks so much for your comment 😀
Linda, great post and very timely. I too have struggled living this value and since reading the Go-Giver twice now, have worked to put that value firmly in place. When you show appreciation immediately after an unexpected or simply a nice gesture, both parties feel good and move on to the next topic…with a smile.
Gary, that is so true. I work on exactly what you said~ “showing appreciation immediately,” rather than wonder what to say or how to say it. Why is just saying THANK YOU so difficult? Understanding this law has made it much easier for me. Thanks Gary (and Happy Birthday!)