Have you ever been on the receiving end when someone complains about their work? They could go on and on about how their boss micromanages, or how their supervisor is a dimwit, or how the maintenance guy never cleans the coffee machine or how their colleagues steal their credit? There could be a thousand reasons, but what’s the point when it is all in vain? When it has nothing to do with bringing about change?
And have you ever realised that sometimes you might be doing it too. But whenever you feel that you are getting cranky about a work situation, stop yourself right there. Nobody likes a cry baby, who offers no solution.
According to a survey done by badbossology.com and Development Dimensions International in United States, a majority of employees spend 10 or more hours per month complaining, or listening to others complain, about their bosses or upper management.
But Then Why Do People Complain?
Because it feels good and it is easy. When we are frustrated and angry about something, we feel discomfort, and this is actual physical discomfort. So, when we vent, we are dissipating that discomfort, and like a balloon releasing air, the stress levels reduce. But is this good enough, when the cause of the complain remains? Should not we be doing something permanent to correct the situation?
Image Credit: TV Series – The Big Bang Theory
Complaining pointlessly also has other disadvantages. It spreads gossips and breaks trust. It sends out a spiral of negativity. The amount of time you spend thinking about it extends for hours, sometimes days and weeks. And you’ve multiplied the people who are also thinking and talking about it.
Complaining is a direct way to express your frustration at work, according to Abhijit Shah, Manager at Sugal and Damani. He says, “Complaining affects the interpersonal relations at work. So, instead of just venting your frustration, take time to cool off and see whether you can really do something better for the situation.”
Complaining brings temporary relief only, and the worst thing is that it removes the motivation to act on the situation.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
Complain, but directly to the person. Confront the situation. If you don’t like somebody’s idea in a meeting, offer a better solution. If you feel that your boss is being unfair, speak to them about how you feel about the situation. If a colleague is stealing your credit, confront them that you are aware of what they are doing.
Abhijit adds, “Simply directly talking to the concerned person is better than random complaining.” This may take emotional strength. It may also feel risky. But in the long run, this is the best thing to do to avoid escalation of a negative situation.
Confrontation may not be as easy as complaining, but it definitely holds the potential to correct the situation.
Read Also: What To Do If You Are Caught Gossiping At Work
