Giving versus taking. This is one of, if not the, most important balancing acts we play throughout our lives. We come into this world naked and completely dependent on our parents and caregivers. Throughout our youth, we are, by definition, net takers. As we age, we build and refine a portfolio knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes (a.k.a., competency) with the goal of providing for ourselves, our families, and contributing to our employers and communities.