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

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