Monday Tip: Complain
Bet you never saw this one coming: Yes, the Chief Happiness Officer wants you to complain at work.
Complaining is good for you and for the workplace. Show me a workplace where no one ever complains, and I’ll show you a workplace where people are so afraid of conflict and uncomfortable conversation that very little change is possible.
However, you must complain constructively following the tips in this post. This means complaining at the right time, to the right person about the right problem. As opposed to just moaning all the time to whoever will listen about whatever bugs you the most.
So pick one problem that’s been bugging you at work and decide:
- Who to raise it with
- When to raise it
- How to raise it
Then do it. No point in just letting that problem annoy you day after day - speak up and get it fixed.
Related:
- How to complain constructively
- How to handle chronic complainers
- 5 steps to resolve a conflict at work
The Chief Happiness Officer’s Monday tips are simple, easy, fun things you can do to make yourself and others happy at work and get the work-week off to a great start. Something everyone can do in five minutes, tops. When you try it, write a comment here to tell me how it went.
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Steve Roesler Said,
May 7, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
Right, Alex,
This is one of those things that almost seems like a paradox. But when someone takes time to raise an issue in the right way with the right person, it means they care and are engaged.
NOT doing something is a sign of indifference or an indicator that maybe the atmosphere isn’t safe for telling the truth. Not good.
And…the people we trust the most in life are frequently the ones who confront us and raise issues. Why? Because we know they care enough to tell us the truth instead of letting us do something that isn’t in our best interest.
A proper complaint today may lead to increased happiness tomorrow!
Ask M Said,
May 7, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Agreed!
But it’s not good to stand in corners and moan to your co-workers because the boss has just done a brilliant exercise in seagull management. That only spreads the rot.
To stop it happening again, it’s the boss you need to talk to - or better still, say no!
M
Charlie Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 6:18 am
I agree. We should complain in a right matter instead of just keeping it to ourselves. Since it’s an emotional feeling, it needs to be out.It will only burden our lives if we keep holding on to it.
may Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
Thanks for the post. monday complainin will have to be done constructively!
blessings
wisdomofgettingwealthy.com
Howie Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 4:14 am
That’s right. Complaining is what we need inorder to let go of some of our feeling. But it isn’t right to make it like an outburst.
Alexander Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
Steve: Exactly, Steve! Just knowing that you CAN change things around you for the better makes us happy.
Ask M: Precisely. Talk to the person who can change it - not just whoever is close by!
Charlie: Exactly - it needs to come out.
May. Prdouctive Monday morning complaining- Yes!
Howie: Nope - outbursts rarely lead to anything good.
Being positive helps in this job - and the next Said,
June 7, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
[...] read your articles about having a good attitude at work and about being a constructive complainer instead of just a big [...]
Mistake # 31: Let the complaining fester! « Red Ditto Said,
July 22, 2008 @ 2:23 am
[...] the Chief Happiness Officer’s blog, Alexander Kjerulf says it best: there is a constructive way to complain. He offers a suggestion to [...]