Do you have a complainer at work?
A realistic response to this question might be – How much time do you have?
We all either currently know a complainer or have worked with one or more before.
Even though the new work from home model will at various levels remain as the workplace standard – so will the complainers continue.
I’ve heard it said that as long as work and working with and interacting with other people are part of our lives, complaining about work and complaining about other people complaining about work, will be too.
Some of the ways people are recognized by others as the constant complainers are the names they refer to them by. Bellyacher, grumbler, whiner, moaner, crybaby, and the Yiddish term Kvetch.
The chronic complainer tends to be more pessimistic about everything.
It has taken over their entire view of life around them. This may be a reflection of their general bad mood when working and may likely their mood of their life in general.
Unfortunately a single complainer can negatively impact everyone within their reach at work.
So what can be done?
A solution I have utilized is the problem – solution rule.
If you come to me with a problem or address a problem at a meeting you must equally present a viable solution. Viable means if the solution requires 10X vs. the problem being fixed value that’s not a viable solution – as an example. Therefore when in the presence of the complainer, ask them what their solution(s) might be to their complaints. Often this may do the trick as the complainer may feel like “Finally, someone is listening to me!”
Another suggestion is don’t wait.
Once a complainer is identified in the work environment handle the situation before the impact of constant negativity finds others to join the choir.
What solutions have you utilized to get complainers to become happy campers?
Wenkroy International LLC is a Professional Advisory company with a main purpose of helping entrepreneurs and business people create the strategy, the plan and the steps necessary to achieve that person’s vision for their business and often their life, while navigating the obstacles which may be blocking them from reaching their goals. The process may involve one on one coaching, advising, laser focus days, personal growth workshops and more. The methods utilized are determined together. The results and value positively impact individuals, teams, divisions and across entire companies. People are now able to focus on what matters most to them, because, they have clarity on where they are heading.
As always share the information in this article with people you know.
