Life in Organizations LO9310

Ben Compton (BCOMPTON@novell.com)
Wed, 21 Aug 1996 14:40:28 -0600

Replying to LO9270 --

Interesting to me how this thread is beginning to focus on emotions. At
the request of others I'll share a few of the emotions I felt in my first
three responses. . .

Anger
Frustration
Intimidation
Trepidation
Aggravation
Annoyed
Excitement
Optimism
Invigoration
Bewilderment
Amazement
Stunned
Amused
Commitment
Discouragement
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Discontentment

At one time or another I've experienced all of these emotions at different
times in my career. Among the most disconcerting are anger,
intimidation, and hopelessness.

I feel anger because I expect to work in an ethical, moral, and honest
environment. This expectation is constantly violated by management
through small, almost unnoticeable actions.

I feel intimidation when I want to point out the ineffectiveness of an
initiative, or the potential damage of a policy, but feel constrained
because it would cost me my job (this also causes a certain degree of
anger).

I feel hopelessness when I see how pervasive stupidity is in the work
force, and how common sense gets trampled by the feet of political
expediency. (Stupidity has also amused me, it all depends on the
context.)

Among the most rewarding emotions are excitement, commitment, and
invigoration.

I feel excitement when I'm given the opportunity to help my company
create the future, to make a difference, and to work with others
committed to creating the same future.

I feel commitment all of the time. That's why I feel anger, intimidation,
and hopelessness.

I feel invigoration when I'm rewarded (not necessarily monetarily) for my
creativity, and when I'm given the tools and resources I need to help my
company become more competitive.

Over the years I've come to a very simple conclusion: Happiness is
corporate America is achieved when one develops the ability to stare
into the abyss of stupidity without being disturbed!

Ben

-- 

Benjamin B. Compton ("Ben") | email: bcompton@novell.com Novell, GroupWare Support Quality Manager | fax: (801) 222-6991

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>