However there are also quite a few times when I have had a good effect on someone else’s mood or self-esteem.  Just the other day we got a new co-op into our facility and he was just as scared as I was when I first joined the team.  I have been there for over a month now so I have learned the ropes and I was able to share a lot of my knowledge with him.  This situation is very similar to a previous situation when I was the one in need.  I was very happy to be able to assist someone and make them feel more comfortable with themselves at this new job.

The most important thing I have learned from my organization and the emotions that are involved is that, people are fragile.  You can hurt people so quickly without intentionally doing it.  I know now to be very cautious in my words from my mouth, words I write on email, and what I type through the GE instant messaging.  I want to make sure people know exactly what I am trying to say so no skewed version is being interpreted.  I also know that if someone comes across as mean to me that it doesn’t mean that they don’t like me.  I have learned to give people the benefit of the doubt and understand that the work place can be a very stressful environment and that we all need to work together to make sure we don’t come off as “snippy” to each other.  And if we do, then we need to realize there are other factors causing this and it is rarely anything personal.