I first learned about the organizational psychologist Adam Grant in a New York Times magazine piece that described his prodigious success that is only matched by a legendary generosity to colleagues, strangers, and especially his students.

His extensive and innovative studies show that most of us can find meaning in any kind of work when we perceive ourselves to be of service, whether we realize this is our motivation or not.

And he is wise about making what he calls micro loans of our knowledge, our skills, our connections to other people in a way that can be transformative for us and others and our workplaces.

Adam Grant has more than a few subversive perceptions for all of us to apply, unsettling old notions that only the greedy rise to the top.

This tendency to look for ways to improve the lives of others, to want to help others, and enjoy that without expecting anything in return, which I think is that the heart of being a giver, is actually something that does not have to compromise your professional success.

Just as you wouldn't worry that you're going to be a bad parent if you're generous, or you're going to be a terrible community member if you care about the people who live near you.

You can also, if you can extraordinarily successful professional, if you demonstrate concern for the people that you work with.

I'm Christa Tippett, and this is on Being.

Adam Grant is the youngest tenured and highest rated professor at the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania.

He's consulted for numerous organizations, including Google, the United Nations, and the US Army.

He became known to many through his popular book Give and Take, a revolutionary approach to success.

It's interesting because this passion you have for giving and helping and service.

All of these things are associated, I think, with spiritual traditions at their best.

Tell me, how do you trace the beginnings of those passions and curiosities in your life?

Well, I think I had some amazing role models who were extremely generous, and in ways that I never would have expected.

Growing up, my grandmother once drove two and a half hours through a snowstorm so that my mom could go exercise.

My grandmother lived five miles away. This is a fairly unusual effort.

I remember at the time being really touched by it.

She was always at our house making great meals for us.

My grandparents were very heavily involved in our lives.

I just thought grandparents were the coolest thing ever because the whole role was about giving.

I remember, I think this is something we all experienced when we received unexpected and meaningful gifts.

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