52: Seven Ways to Handle Complainers

If you are doing any type of serious leadership, you are going to hear complaining. As I discuss in this episode, complaining isn't always a bad thing, but you need to handle it appropriately as a leader. In this episode, I discuss seven ways to handle complainers in your organization. Community Feedback CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback 1. Expect ingratitude “The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” - Colin Powell 2. Give people time and a venue to complain People don't always want a solution to their problems Limit this time 3. Set the agenda in advance (and time frames) Have them bring an agenda to the meeting Follow that agenda If they aren't ready for that, you set agenda and send to them in advance 4. Require solutions to problems Ask people to always bring a realistic solution along with any complaint They know the issue better than you do - they've thought it through 5. Set time limits and stick to them (see details in the 6 Habits to Keep People from Wasting Your Time article) Let people know in advance how much time you have End meetings on time If you need to, book something else after the meeting 6. Be frank with people Tell people why you aren't taking action If they aren't coming with solutions, call them on it. Share examples. 7. Limit your interactions with that person (try the others first) Gallup says that the best leaders spend a majority of their time with their best people You don't have to always be available - schedule a time Use caller ID Community Feedback USA: (949) 38-LEARN Global: +1 (949) 385-3276 Twitter: #CFLshow [email protected] Two recent articles I've written on this topic that might also be helpful: 6 Habits to Keep People From Wasting Your Time Hear Complaining? You're on the Right Path We are accepting subscriptions to our free newsletter. If you would to receive monthly articles, interviews, videos, and other leadership resources, you can SUBSCRIBE HERE. Also, you'll receive as a bonus, a video and down-loadable list of the 10 Books That Will Make You a Better Leader! A special thank you to Jerome Tinard and Roger Fisher - thank you for liking our page on Facebook! If you haven't already, you can visit our Facebook page at coachingforleaders.com/facebook Wherever you are in the world, whatever is on your agenda today, take one idea from this show to engage and develop someone you lead.