Maybe it was someone you worked with at a previous employer. Maybe it is someone you work with currently. Being around someone who always complains about everything in life can be exhausting. In fact, it is exhausting. Have you ever thought, “They have to be the most miserable person in the world?” Complainers are often very miserable, so here is why they are often the most miserable people in the world.
1. “I deserve more.”
This is often in the mindset of a complainer. They deserve more pay, more time, more this, more that. When you deal with a chronic complainer, you can bet you owe them something. You owe them stuff you never knew you owed them. They will often lack rationality and understanding of a situation. The Bottom Line: Don’t expect a complainer to be easy to please.
2. “I deserve better.”
It may be better working conditions, better working schedules, better relationships, there is always something in the complainer’s mind that they deserve better. You could provide them with the best equipment, best cars, the best pay, the best homes, the best clothing, the best of everything, but they will always complain because they believe “they deserve better.” The Bottom Line: Don’t expect the complainers to be impressed with whatever you give them.
3. “It wasn’t my fault.”
It rarely is. In fact, it is rarely the complainers’ who have caused the issue at hand, in their minds. More times than not, the complainer never accepts responsibility for their actions or the consequences for their actions. So the copier at work suddenly quit working? Maybe the car is out of fuel. Either way, regardless of the circumstances, they will not see how it is their problem, or further more, their responsibility. The bottom line: Don’t expect a complainer to accept responsibility or own up to their mistakes.
4. “I could have done it better.”
There are so many things to say about a chronic complainer. Can you imagine living a life with this mindset? Miserable is an understatement. Most of the time if you were to approach a complainer, you would hear them say how much better their ideas were. This may be the case, sometimes. The issue here is, they always see their ideas as the better alternatives. The Bottom Line: Don’t expect a complainer to accept the ideas of others. Their way is the only way, in their minds.
5. “If I can’t be happy, no one can be happy.”
A complainer, if not addressed promptly, can become a poisonous part of your team. Use caution and wisdom when dealing with them. The worst thing that could happen for your team, if a complainer is present, is if they infect other team members with their attitudes.
6. “I don’t have to do that…”
A complainer will often dictate what he/she will/will not do. They don’t abide by the rules, in their minds. When you approach someone on your staff who is constantly complaining, expect a hard, brick wall. Leadership will certainly be faced with challenges when dealing with someone who is a chronic complainer.
Did this sound negative? Maybe it sounded negative because of the mindset of those who are chronic complainers. Imagine living a life this miserable. I, as a former complainer, have found the solution to solving this major problem. Let’s face it: Complaining takes away a lot of the goodness in our lives. Grateful attitudes, contentment, and a positive outlook on life can change a complainer into a person with a great attitude.
When dealing with a complainer, know they are miserable, first and foremost. Understand their may be some underlying issues leading up to their constant complaining.
Your attitude is contagious. Have a good attitude, display gratitude, and be positive!
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