CHRONIC COMPLAINERS…

We all know them, those people within our lives and organizations who are negative… who seem to only see the worst in every situation and who would rather complain than seek a solution. Their constant negativity is a like a disease that infects everyone else around them, slowly robbing themselves and others of joy, happiness, success and opportunity.

Consider this…

• The Gallup Organization has published reports that negativity costs US companies more than $300 Billion in lost productivity each year. And that doesn’t even take into account the ripple effect of negativity and it’s multiplied costs beyond the workplace (health, happiness, etc).

• TrueJobs.com cited that in surveys the #1 cause of  office stress was coworkers and their complaining.

• And then there are the common sense aspects of negativity and the impact that a negative team member can have on your customers, relationships and bottom line.

The list goes on and on…

But how do you deal with this negativity, pessimism and chronic complaining?

Here are 4 ways to begin:

1. Confront the Problem – The sad part is that many of these negative people don’t even realize that they are. The first step is to confront them, in a nurturing and kind way. Schedule some one on one time with them and be honest but be prepared for their push back as well. Give them tangible examples of what optimism vs. pessimism looks like in your setting, explain why solutions matter. Overcoming negativity, when you are negative, is not easy and if it’s someone who has promise then you’ll need to work with them to help them rise above.

2. Issue a No Complaining Rule – Get your team (home, work or school) together and let them know that from this day forward “No Complaining Rules” is in effect. You are going to be Solution Seekers instead of Complainers. Let them know that complaints in and of themselves are okay, IF they lead to a solution, but mindless chronic complaining on its own is a waste and just breeds negativity. Consider setting up a Solution Box where people can write ideas and suggestions on ways to improve things instead of just complaining about them. Read what people submit, implement the good ideas and reward or recognize people for their contributions. Doing so will begin to foster an environment of ideas and positive mindsets.

3. Develop Possibility Thinkers – You’ve probably heard the saying “A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships.” Well, the same is true here. If you take the time to invest in, hire and build up Possibility Thinkers (those people who look for solutions and opportunities) then their optimism and drive will spread and become contagious to others.

4. Be Willing to Weed Them Out – Despite our best efforts, sometimes people won’t change and if they don’t, you have to remove them so they don’t continue to contaminate everyone else. It’s often a tough decision but you can’t let one person drag everyone else down. Now, this works in a business or organization but not when we’re dealing with negative people in our families and lives. One would have to take a different approach with them altogether. Article By Daniel Decker

We all know someone that complains 24/7, 365 days a years and never offers a solution. Some go from year to year whining about the same things that happen the previous year. These type of people are avoided by other family members, and usually transferred, demoted, or fired from their job. SAD.