Complaining made easy
We used to tell our kids that there are winners, wieners, and whiners — take your pick. Winners bring out the best in people. Wieners draw attention to themselves. And whiners, well, they grumble.
Sometimes, it makes sense to complain. However, many people complain in an attempt to get attention. And some don’t even bother to speak up because they don’t expect to get a resolution.
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Psychiatrist Eric Berne pointed out in his vintage book “Games People Play” that we often see complaining as a venting exercise rather than a way to secure a desired outcome. The trick is knowing when to complain and to whom.
For example, the flight I was just on landed 30 minutes early. Everyone was elated. However, the captain announced that the gate wasn’t ready, and we sat on the tarmac for 30 minutes. Everyone was complaining, even though we were on time.
We should always try to turn grumbling into gain. Dr. Amy Fish of Concordia University says there are times when you are complaining not only for yourself but also for anyone who has to deal with the same issue. It could be your company’s draconian work-at-home policy, a lousy server at a restaurant, or some social injustice. When you speak up, you are opening up the possibility for improvement.
I have a marketing degree, so I feel obligated to give customer feedback and participate in surveys. Yes, I’m the guy who waits for the “Please hold for a short survey.” As Microsoft used to say, your most unhappy customers are your most significant source of learning. But I wouldn’t know. I’m a Mac.
