Be Part of the Solution at Work

Early in my career, I (thankfully) was taught that when raising an issue or a problem to my manager, I should also be prepared to present at least one viable solution ready for implementation to solve the issue or problem, if not more.  It has served me well in my career, and I coach my mentees accordingly. 

Among other services, working in the Human Resources function is the internal Customer Service function for most organizations, a.k.a., some days, Complaint Central. (Actually, in the more progressive organizations, we all work in Internal Customer Service.)

Not that I mind that function.  I take it as an opportunity to share the wealth and coach Complainants on how they can be part of the solution to the problems they raise (or cause).  Work, especially these days, can be stressful, and folks need opportunities to vent.   Most take the coaching.  Some just don't get it.

Those who don't get it will eventually lose their jobs.  Bottom line. Bitter and blotchy, as my friend Nan coined.  Always complaining and gossiping to anyone who will listen.  And, amazingly, it happens at all organizational levels, from clerk to executive, and regardless of age and/or experience.   If you don't think constantly pissing in the organization's soup is also pissing in your own soup, you're kidding yourself, or you're impaired, or perhaps both.

The one thing we can control in tough work situations, real or imagined (the imagined involves personal baggage that should be resolved via the appropriate therapy, not where you earn your livelihood and your reputation), is how we act and react.  Partner with an objective coach and/or mentor outside of your workplace.  Lay out the situation factually.  Ask for honest feedback and most importantly, listen to it and incorporate it.  Not only will it be career-changing, it may well change the rest of your life, for the better.

A poignant and real-life illustration was the new hire who was fired at the end of their initial orientation period for constantly complaining to their peers and playing up sweetly to their superiors.  "They did a great job technically, the customers loved them," their manager related.  "But they drove the rest of the employees crazy with their complaining.  It was disrupting everyone's productivity, including mine!" Amen.

Let there be peace at work, and let it begin with you.