Listening to someone complain all the time is both tiring and annoying. But sometimes there is no escape! A person can complain all day, turning this behavior into a routine.
If you're a chronic complainer, it's time to rethink your ways of thinking and complaining, if you have your eyes on the bottom line: getting what you want.
Here are eight effective methods according to therapists:
Complain at the right time
There is a time and a place for everything, including complaining. Be aware when raising concerns with another person to reduce the chance of a negative response.
Use the phrase "I"
Language has great power and this power can make or break a given situation. When you complain, use the word I to reinforce the idea of ??blame, so personalize your responsibilities.
Speak positively and accurately
Use precise language and argue with examples and details to help the other person understand what you are saying. Clarity is key.
Put yourself in the other person's shoes
Before voicing your complaint, stop for a moment and understand the other person's position. Think about what those in front of you might be feeling or thinking and then sleep on your worry.
Avoid character attack
Have you ever been criticized for your personality? Isn't it a nice feeling?! Personal attacks take the focus away from the problem at hand, delaying finding a solution.
Don't just focus on the problem, provide solutions
If you have a solution-focused mindset when you bring complaints to someone, then you know how to be practical even in unfavorable situations.
Place the complaint in the middle of a positive situation
It is otherwise called the sandwich effect. Place the complaint in the middle of a positive discussion and you will see any problematic situation differently.
Be open minded
When you talk about a complaint from your perspective, you need to be open-minded about the response of those who are listening. Resolving a complaint is a team effort, so this goes hand in hand with empathy and putting yourself in the other person's shoes.
