Helping People Who Don't Ask for Help

One of my first mentors at work gave me advice: don't help people who don't ask for it. In general, that's good advice. Often, when you try to help, they feel that you're invading their turf or criticizing them.

But this doesn't apply in all cases. And it certainly doesn't apply when you're talking about recognition.

Once, after a big success at work, I sent one of the mementos we ordered to a former team member who worked on the project, who left the company. He was so happy and grateful, that he was acknowledged, and later on, when I happened to need his help, he bent over backwards.

I've had similar experiences in the past, but not many. I always help people when asked, but helping people when not asked, that is a virtue that some people have that I aspire to.