There is a bestselling book "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" about these concepts by Adam Grant[1]. From the description:

> It turns out that at work, most people operate as either takers, matchers, or givers. Whereas takers strive to get as much as possible from others and matchers aim to trade evenly, givers are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143124986

Sounds like pseudo-science and arbitrary categories defined by the book author.

I wonder how that's defined at work, considering intellectual knowledge work isn't something you can physically give, match or take.

Actually, I have a co-worker (database guy) who is very much a giver of his intellectual knowledge. Awesome to work with.

It is mostly based on a few interactions. We don't have to look out for givers or takers when we meet someone the first time or only a few times.

And 'not-to-do' list is something that is meant for your memory. I would keep these lists in the mac dashboard (sticky pads). Since I did not know when I would need them, having them in front of the eyes was a constant reminder. Once they were sufficiently ingrained, they would go to a docs (out of the sticky pads).

I feel the need for a not-to-do list again.

Actually, I also had a when in doubt list (this was because I said 'yes' too often). It had a few points like - (1) does it help me get better at running a startup, (2) does it help me get healthier, and (3) do I have a reason why I am doing it...

Anyone else :-) When 'in-a-doubt' list...