You do not think that childishness in a middle aged man probably reflects on his character? It is hard to imagine being so sheltered. As far as meltdown goes, I agree that it is not a sufficient reason. I think there is a history there, which makes individual conversations more fraught than they might first appear to be.
I also think that you underestimate how your professional experience has affected your demeanor. Some people loathe human resources personnel, due to a sense that they are insincere, condescending, and manipulative. You are much nicer than the average HR person, of course, but it is hard not see the wheels spinning about how to manage difficult people and achieve consensus, for example. I think that Jewel, who is, I will not deny, a difficult person, has developed a sense of your "handling" him while advising him to ignore the woman behind the curtain. This has caused a longstanding sense of suspicion and grievance. If Jewel thought you took him seriously, things might be different, but he does not.......... |
