New Forum Topic
I have added a new forum "Empathy".
The reason that I have done so is because it is increasingly apparent that empathy - either the lack of it or positively demonstrating it -
is at the root of many of the issues I face as someone in the workplace with ASD.
As those who have read my latest blog entry will have seen, I was praised yesterday by my boss for being genuine, honest and supportive. It is things like this that mean he is loyal and supportive towards me.
I've placed the forum topic under the "Personal" section of subjects, even though, it extends also to its Business and Inter-Personal compatriots.
Would like to explore the subject of empathy further. Does anyone else have any further examples where demonstrating empathy has been beneficial for them at work?
Empathy, a good topic
I'm glad to see this new topic on this forum. I would have to say that empathy would be a good topic for people here to discuss about.
At work people sometimes show empathy to me when I do a good job or overcome a difficulty. During this rough time with the scheduling/rooms there were a number of people who actually demonstrated this. I was told despite the limited training that I got, the problems, the lateness and etc I did pretty good and was able to overcome most of these problems. I'm sure I can think of more examples as time goes on.
Reciprocation
Can you tell us about any ways in which you reciprocated empathy in this situation?
One of the things that I am working hard on at the moment is doing things for other people - when I don't need them!
I am certain that I have not done enough of this and it has been detrimental to me going forward.
What I think would be really interesting is if we could identify ways when we could proactively demonstrate empathy when it is not immediately necessary to accrue benefits going forward.
Re: Reciprocation
I do try and reciprocate at work. It's not easy. Sometimes I just don't have time to do it, sometimes I'm expected to reciprocate in ways that I cannot or am not comfortable in doing or sometimes it just doesn't happen.
When I do try to reciprocate I usually help the people that helped me with things, I always to try lend a hand (whether or not I'm asked to do so)and I also help out (if I can) when I'm ask to do something.
I guess we get so focused on our own thing and just having the expectation of being assisted (as needed) we tend to forget to return the favor or jump in without being told.