How Small Favors Can Lead to Big Career Wins: Reciprocity Explained

Have you ever wondered why that annoying guy from consulting always gets the best projects, even though he can barely operate a laptop? Or why Karen from HR keeps getting promoted despite her incredible ability to make every conversation boring?

Well, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on the secret sauce of career advancement. In this case, it’s not about skills, qualifications, or even showing up on time. No, no, no. It’s all about mastering the art of reciprocity.

By the end of this post, you’ll know how to climb the corporate ladder faster—all while convincing everyone you’re just being a good team player.

What is Reciprocity?

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: reciprocity is just a fancy word for “trading favors.” But before you start thinking this sounds sleazy or transactional, hear me out. It’s human nature. We’re hardwired to return favors. You know, that subtle “I owe you one” feeling? Well, it turns out that feeling can get you promoted.

Think about it: Have you ever done something nice for a coworker—maybe covered their shift or helped them meet a deadline—and then, miraculously, they return the favor when you’re in a bind? That’s reciprocity. And in the workplace, it’s gold.

And no, we’re not talking about bringing donuts to the office just to get on someone’s good side. We’re talking about targeted, strategic favors that can push your career forward.

Tip #1: Reciprocity = Influence

It’s basically social currency. When you do something for someone, they feel like they need to pay you back, consciously or subconsciously. And that’s where the magic happens.

Don’t Be a Suck-Up

I can hear you say, “I don’t want to be that person—the office suck-up, handing out favors like candy on Halloween!”

Fair point, and I agree. I’ve often struggled with using reciprocity myself, as I tend to help people at work when directly asked or when I genuinely like someone. The latter is often due to them employing reciprocity on me.

Learn from my mistakes, people. You can scratch someone’s back without coming off as a desperate suck-up.

Let’s look at a bad example: meet Bob. Now, Bob is as annoying as a bad rash. He’s always desperate to offer unsolicited favors. He brings coffee to his boss without being asked, or approaches colleagues to offer help on things he’s not good at, usually when they’re super busy. Don’t be like Bob.

The Subtle Art

The trick here is subtlety. Reciprocity works best when it feels natural.

Find small, easy ways to help people—ways that are relevant to the situation. Did your colleague mention they’re struggling with software you happen to know? Offer a quick tutorial or send them a useful link.

Or let’s say you’re a mid-level employee and want to get into a more senior position. Does your boss seem overwhelmed? Offer to help with something small. Maybe it’s an extra report or taking on a low-priority task that could help you develop new skills.

Volunteer, but don’t push. It’s about being helpful without broadcasting that you’re angling for something in return.

Tip #2: Make Favors Context-Specific and Low-Pressure

Another great way to beef up the balance in your “favor bank” is by introducing people who could benefit from knowing each other. You’ll be seen as a valuable network hub, and both parties will feel indebted to you.

For example: “Oh, you’re looking for a web designer? I know just the person. And look at that, they happen to be standing right there. What a lucky coincidence!”

Tip #3: Connect People

The Ben Franklin Effect

Ever heard of Benjamin Franklin? He’s one of the founding fathers of a little-known country called the United States and one of the most famous statesmen of all time.

Ben was a shrewd fella, which is why there’s even a psychological trick named after him: the Ben Franklin Effect.

The story goes that Franklin once had a political rival who didn’t like him. Instead of starting a Twitter beef—because, you know, 18th century and all—he asked this rival to lend him a rare book. The rival, flattered, sent it over. Franklin returned it with a note of thanks, and boom—they became friends, apparently until death did them part.

What Ben did here is use an advanced type of reciprocity rooted in something called cognitive dissonance. Ben didn’t know that term, of course, since it was coined in the 1950s, but he nailed the concept.

Cognitive dissonance is the tension that occurs when a person’s actions and beliefs are inconsistent. In short, it’s a mind-bender. It’s confusing and uncomfortable, and people are wired to try to resolve it as quickly as possible.

The Ben Franklin Effect is the brain’s effort to resolve the cognitive dissonance we experience when we do a favor for someone we don’t particularly like. To rationalize our behavior, we convince ourselves that we must like the person; otherwise, we wouldn’t have done them the favor.

So, if you have someone at work who doesn’t like you much or opposes you—especially if they’re in a position to influence your career—use the Ben Franklin Effect. Ask them for a small favor, then be genuinely grateful. They’ll be more likely to want to do you another favor again.

I’ve tried it myself, and it does work, as long as you’re careful and patient.

Tip #4: Use the Ben Franklin Effect

The Long Game

Here’s the final tip: reciprocity isn’t about quick wins. It’s about playing the long game. You don’t cash in a favor the second after you’ve given it. No, no. You build a network of people who are low-key rooting for you because you’ve helped them out when they needed it—and by now, they’re used to supporting you.

When opportunities come up—promotions, projects, collaborations—these people will want to support you because they feel like they should. It’s human nature. And the best part? You’re not coming off as sleazy or transactional—you’re just a helpful and grateful person who happens to have a lot of people on their side. Coincidence? I think not.

Tip #5: Play the Long Game

Alright, friends, that’s the power of reciprocity. It’s simple, it’s strategic, and if you play it right, it’s your ticket to the top.