If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.
- Maya Angelou
That sure sounds great doesn't it? Don't complain. But we all complain don't we? I haven't met anyone so far who hasn't. Still hoping to meet that one or two who never do but then not wanting to meet them because it would make me think about how they do that, so I should do it. But in the mean time...
What does a great manager need to do in order to reduce all complaining?
Listens and learns from a great staff that he has either inherited or put together. If your staff doesn't like something, allow them, no, encourage them to share it with you. Offer your true interest in hearing and listening to all of their ideas, thoughts and challenges. Encourage them to share all ideas, all worries and make no comments or judgements about them.
Tell them you are happy they came to you. Tell them how you will look into their ideas or complaints.
And then as you figure out what they really need, what they really meant... share with them how you will act upon what they said. Keep them in the loop, make them feel special and valued.
Notice at the beginning that I asked, what do you need to do to REDUCE all complaining. You will never be able to eliminate complaining. It's part of who we are. But reducing the significant negativity that comes with complaints will make you a much more highly valued manager so that one day you become a Great Manager and one that others will want to recruit or reward for your knowledge and ability to manage great teams of people.
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great managers are made not born.
