Give A Little - Get A Lot

According to a new study by the University of California, Berkeley, workers who are more generous at the office had more influence and are more likely to get ahead in the workplace. This likely comes as no surprise, but it's a good reminder to give more than you get when it comes to how you interact with your co-workers. It's good for you, for them, for business and for your career prospects.

You want to be the one who offers to help your colleagues with challenging projects, who is willing to jump in and help out when someone is out sick, who will get down and dirty changing the toner on the copy machine because it has to get done " and not complain about doing it.
You don't want to be the employee who says or even thinks, "That's not in my job description," "I didn't get a college degree to change toner" or "If you can't get your work done, that's your problem." Focusing only on your needs and responsibilities won't score you any points with your co-workers or superiors and, according to the study, will mean you are often ignored by your peers.
This isn't about winning a popularity contest with your co-workers or sitting at the cool kids' table at lunch. But by behaving in a giving fashion, you will be liked at work and that can make the work place a lot more pleasant. People want to work with others who are generous, who reach out to help others, who enthusiastically jump in to do whatever needs to get done. This behavior will go a long way to score you points with your co-workers and the boss " not to mention that when you find yourself needing assistance, they'll be there for you because you were there for them.
So the next time you sense one of your co-workers is over burdened, ask if you can help. The next time the boss is looking for volunteers for a project, raise your hand. Be helpful, flexible, open, enthusiastic and generous towards your co-workers. Oh " and wear black. I've changed toner cartridges. Trust me on this one!