2 ms·

"If people see me being cooperative, helpful, and a source of good information, they will develop one type of opinion of me." Yes, and sometimes that opinion m

"If people see me being cooperative, helpful, and a source of good information, they will develop one type of opinion of me." Yes, and sometimes that opinion might be: "this is the idiot who does all the work for you, if I just ask him". That would be a significant consequence for you. I do not know you, nor if you have ever been in that situation, but I've known too many helpful people getting exploited this way - and I have choosen to not try to exploit, nor be exploited.

ChrisMarshallNY 5y ago
> "this is the idiot who does all the work for you, if I just ask him" Hasn't been a problem for me, so far (and it's been around 35 years). Learning how to respectfully say "no" is an important life skill. Pays dividends way beyond just not being treated as the office Wikipedia. We seem to have unrealistically low opinions of our peers. I don't know if I've ever worked with anyone that has wanted me (or anyone else) to do their work for them. I have known a number of folks that were "in over their heads," and tried to hide the fact, but it never lasted too long. I guess I've been fortunate.