Landmark studies show that giving, taking, and matching are three fundamental styles of interacting with others, and they exist in every culture on earth. In our networks and relationships, are we aiming to claim, contribute, or exchange value?

Although we all do a mix of the three, groundbreaking research demonstrates that we each have a primary style, or a default tendency. According to your ratings, your primary style is giver. This means that in your interactions with others, your core motivation is to contribute as much as you can. You probably spend many of your waking hours helping others, connecting people who can benefit from knowing each other, and offering mentoring and advice.

When you develop new connections, you might look at your expanded network as a way to benefit more people. When you collaborate with others, you’re probably inclined to put the good of the group above your own interests, and you may go out of your way to share credit. When you evaluate people, you look for potential, often seeing the best in others. At the bargaining table, odds are that you’re concerned not only about your own outcome, but also about leaving your negotiating counterparts better off.

Based on your scores, you’re less inclined toward matcher and taker styles. Matchers aim to maintain an equal balance of giving and receiving. They look for quid pro quo, trading favors back and forth and striving for fairness. Takers strive to get as much as they can, under the assumption that if they don’t look out for themselves, no one else will. To win, takers often focus on doing better than others and claiming credit.