Reciprocal Help

Would like to open up another disussion about reciprocal help or, more pertinently, its absence.

I was talking to an ex-boss today about a mutual colleague at a former company who has just been made redundant unexpectedly after a number of years with the organisation.

Its the usual story: new faces come on board with their own ideas and, probably, want their favourites onboard so, despite my former colleague being very competant and having enormous experience form having been with the company for a very ong time, he is shown the door.

Understandably he is very uspet about it and so called our old boss to discuss the situation and seek advice. However, despite spending two hours offering the latter, the outgoing employee has not let our former boss have any further update or provide any further news. This surprised and, I think, slightly upset him.

I said to the latter that we have to get used to the fact that most people are unlike us: they do not have the same propensity to reciprocate and support/consider others.

The latter stems from my Asperger. I have found previous, similar experiences very hurtful and have had to work hard to distance myself from the pain it can cause.

I have had to learn as a manager not expect others to reciprocate or expect undersatnding in return.