Being in a company with an Open Door policy that encourages employees to discuss work and co-worker issues can foster trust and teamwork. However, one must be careful to keep these discussions from devolving in to complaint and gossip session that spreads negativity and distrust. Wendy has great tips that keep discussions on track. Read her post below and have her help you guide your employees... ~JR
Many managers and leaders hear a lot of complaints from their team, what’s your response? Do any of these sound familiar?
“There they go again.”
“Never happy.”
“Just do your job.”
“Not everyone sees the big picture.”
“Negativity is such a drain.”
“Change is hard, but that’s our industry.”
All of these are normal reactions, but we all know that sparks of negativity can catch fire and burn out all the positive things that are working. These sparks need to be dealt with one way or another.
Your strengths describe where you can be at your most productive, and give huge insights where you are not at your best.
Your reaction to complaints is a clue to what your strengths are and how you use them to lead others. They also provide insight on how you hear and value team complaints. For example: If Positivity is one of your strengths, then you are a person that feels more energized by everyone focusing on what is going well, and people pointing out problems will seem draining.
On the other hand, if one of your strengths is Achiever, you will be motivated by getting things done and focusing on tasks that need to be completed. Complaints would be a total waste of energy to you. You might think, “why aren’t they focusing on what needs to get done?”
Your first response is a big clue to how you operate, and what you naturally find important. It could block you from hearing something important that your employees are complaining about.
If you want to learn more about how to Love Your Employees When They Complain and how to apply Your Strengths as a Leader to get the most out of your team, schedule a consultation with Wendy.
Bring your strengths list with you if you have them, and if you need to take the test (It takes about 20 minutes) you can purchase the test here.