Give Value First

There are moments when all of us need help. We need someone else to move faster, decide differently, or do something that makes our job easier.

Sales wants Product to ship a feature. Product wants sales to position better. Everyone wants support.

My view is simple. Before you ask for support, be the most supportive colleague in the room.

Before asking for better features, first, be exceptional at selling what already exists.

Before asking others to prioritise something for you, show ownership.

It changes the conversation.

People lean in when they see effort, not entitlement. They jump in to help when they know you’ve done your part.

There’s a quiet law at work in teams and careers: value flows toward those who give it first.

And this doesn’t apply only to sales. It applies to anything where you’re pitching an idea, seeking an opportunity, or trying to bring someone around to your point of view. Give value before asking for value.