Monday, August 5, 2013

Principle of Reciprocity


Given that every human culture (even the officer corps of the USN) follows the rule of reciprocity, we can think of it as a powerful universal law. It’s very simple: “If you give something to me, I am obligated to give something in return.”

In addition, “You are given a moment of power after someone has thanked you. .  .” Take care to use the moment productively. For example, don’t say, “It was nothing, no problem at all.” Use the influence you’ve just won by saying “I was glad to help. It’s what Shipmates do for one another. I’m sure you would do the same for me.”

The idea is uncomplicated:  Get inspired - be inspiring; get a message - send a message; get a call - make a call; get a letter - write a letter; get an e-mail - send an e-mail; receive a favor - give a favor.  And so on.  Keep the cycle going.

This principle explains why successful Navy professionals are so committed to networking. In networking, we share information, leads, and even leadership secrets—relying completely on the principle of reciprocity. Without reciprocity, networking is useless.

Want to learn more?  Hell yes, you do.  Go HERE.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, we are all networked, have shared ideas and helped each other succeed, and now, leaving the Navy, - together. The smart ones are already gone and the fence sitters are going. Reciprocity indeed, it also exists between an organization and its members - or at least it used to. The stampede is on, step aside - or run faster lest you be run over on the way out the door.

HMS Defiant said...

Concur with anon. Every downsize sees the CNO and high command climb on board with the most asshat and viciously unprincipled mechanisms they can conceive to force people out while shouting the most oleaginous platitudes about how they aren't actually doing that.

seanheritage said...

We can choose the path of Anon 0900 and help lead the way to the exit or we can choose the path of those who inspire me most. Those who care too much to leave; who have too much left to give, to give up; and who appreciate those with whom we serve too much, to leave their future to others.

The "Do Loop" is powerful...which way do you want to see the pendulum swing? Why not do something to influence that direction?

seanheritage said...

We can choose the path of Anon 0900 and help lead the way to the exit or we can choose the path of those who inspire me most. Those who care too much to leave; who have too much left to give, to give up; and who appreciate those with whom we serve too much, to leave their future to others.

The "Do Loop" is powerful...which way do you want to see the pendulum swing? Why not do something to influence that direction?

Anonymous said...

Sean - I am already gone, and glad for it. Along with many other of the best, due course, EP CO's, CPO's and NCO's.

Three ways to leave, feet first in a pine box, passed over twice, or on one's own terms. Two of these options are undesirable.

To your points; I cared too much to stay. The current and projected state of affairs is disgraceful. There's no amount of caring that's going to mitigate the stupidity and lack of leadership that has captured the Navy at this point. The Navy is not a charity, it’s not a day care center, it’s a war-fighting organization! And right now - it’s a pathetic, mismanaged, poorly led and bankrupt (Morally and financially)"nanny" organization.

Warfighting First, Forward, Be Ready - what a load of BS, its these lies that are driving OUR BEST people out. Call Millington, check the records of those leaving voluntarily over the last 18 months - do some homework.
We all have much, loads to offer, Navy had its share - and consistently wasted it. Who is going to invest in a failing and failed organization - that's just dumb, and our people are smart.

Further, I would not lie to my sailors that things were OK -and- would get better, our sailors are smart, they are tough, they are the best this nation has to offer, they deserve and demand better from their leaders - and their leaders have failed.

The grass eaters, cake eaters and fat bodies have taken over the service - leadership failure.

If one can no longer support the leadership, its time to go. So, we the many, are doing what honor dictates, we leave.

I wish you the best of luck.




Unknown said...

Reciprocity. Great words of wisdom. I can honestly say I have benefited from this universal law in and hope others have benefited from me.

Whatever happened to selfless duty to God and Country? Sometimes it’s not about you.

Anonymous said...

Captain Lambert,

It is very discouraging to see some of the remarks by Navy Officers that disagree with the principles of reciprocity as outlined in this post. That has nothing to do with the oath that they swore to when they first entered the Navy, of course at that time such things as DADT was the law of the land, and I realize that things have certainly changed since then and there is no doubt that other policies produced by the present administration have created some conflict in the Navy, I do not know what the real problem is that has infected the Navy nor do I know if a real problem exists, are these Sailors just malcontents and is the problem exaggerated to the point that they are willing to forfeit their chosen career because of some of the things that they disagree with in the Navy. Regardless of their views that should not change their attitude toward their Shipmates and reciprocity should be the rule of the day when dealing with those Shipmates.

Very Respectfully,
Navyman834

Anonymous said...

Mario, Agreed - The virtuous cycle with those with whom you have trust and confidence, is a wonderful and beautiful experience. Selfless service to one's God, Good. Selfless service to one's country also good - an organization and leadership that can elicit, foster and nurture that environment, GREAT!.

Reciprocity can not happen in an environment with out trust and confidence. Our sailors are saying, clearly and unambiguously - they DO NOT have trust and confidence in their leaders... now why is that?

Can it be because their leaders are demonstratively, incompetent and unworthy of trust? Yes it can and yes it is -

Step number one, admit there's a problem.