Hello Dear Blog Readers!

Welcome to Part 2 of this blog series: Surprisingly Easy Ways to Deal with Chronic Complainers.

We covered 2 stories about chronic complainers in Part 1. They included 2 people who complained about packing for a trip and cleaning their house after construction workers left a mess.
Additionally, I also shared tips on how to deal with these chronic complainers.

Read Part 1 to discover or recap the stories and tips.

This week you will find more ideas on how to deal with these chronic complainers. There are several studies that show employees leave jobs because of these toxic workers. Additionally, they are tired of listening to their whining.

I coach others on how to stop this wasted productivity. Listening to chronic complainers takes up too much time.

Strategy #1 On How to Deal with Chronic Complainers

• These toxic people complain about work, relationships, family, the long commute, the rainy weather, age, and drum rolls – politics!
• We feel drained after we listen and listen.
• They have legitimate complaints at times.
• The problem is that most of their toxic words can become contagious and look out for morale going south.
• It’s ok to validate their comment at first.
• Say something like, “I can see why you are so upset.”
• This works with others who are not chronic complainers. Additionally, all they want to do is have someone hear about their complaint.

Validation can make things worse with chronic complainers. And you can fall into the trap and the whining can go on 

Strategy # 2 On How to Deal with Chronic Complainers

• Ask them if they would like to hear your thoughts about the complaint.
• You may be lucky and create a case scenario that shows the complainer another option.
• Additionally, this may fuel the fire.
• Handle this strategy carefully.
• Don’t sound judgmental or critical.
• I know that you know this! I just need to give you a friendly reminder so YOU don’t get pulled into the complainer’s drama.

Strategy # 3 On How to Deal with Chronic Complainers

• Set a personal boundary on how long you will listen to the chronic complainer.
• Exit gracefully.
• Let them know that you have a meeting in 5 minutes.
• Hopefully, they will get the hint.

Here are 2 questions for you:

1. What is the complaint that you hear at work that you are sick and tired of hearing?
2. How does your family drive you crazy with their chronic whining?

Please comment in the comment section.

You can send me a private email with personal issues that you want to explore.

Read Part 1 to discover or recap the stories and tips.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share your thoughts about this week’s post. How does it resonate with you?
You can share your ideas in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Until Next Time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media. As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress. We made it easy for you. You have the shareable social media links on the left.  Easy Peasy! 

P.P.S. I’m the Human Resource Professional’s Partner. I coach employees and managers to feel comfortable using their voice without losing their cool – so they feel heard and respected.

P.P.P.S Are you {or your direct reports} ready to explore working with me as your private coach?  It’s easy and fits anyone’s budget and schedule.
Call me at 248.681.5831 or send an email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com.

Schedule your complimentary 20 – minute discovery call