Myriam HadnesFounder and CEO, workshops.work · Behavioural Economist | workshops.work | Host of the Unprofessionalism & workshops work Podcasts

How to Deal with Complainers? #shorts

19 Jul 2022 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:56

In this short, the speaker addresses the recurring problem of chronic complainers in meetings and workshops. She explains that such individuals often lack a clear role, which leads them to question the purpose of the gathering. To manage them, she proposes a two‑step approach: first, ensure the complainer has a defined role in the session; second, directly ask them what they need—information, a decision, space, a chance to speak, or a pause. By clarifying their purpose and giving them ownership of their needs, the facilitator can redirect the complaining energy into constructive participation.

Chapters

We know them, the complainers. Never is anything good enough. We already discussed the topic for 20 years or even longer. Why are we still taking care of that? There are 2 things to deal with these kind of difficult personalities. One is to make sure that they do have a role. Very often what happens is that someone comes into a meeting or a workshop and they are not really sure what they are supposed to do. Why Are they there? So if I don't know why I'm there, of course I will question the purpose of the entire meeting because I don't see it. Number 2 is, if there is a specific role for the person who likes to complain or who rants, then ask very clearly, what do you need? Do you need information? Do you need a decision? Do you need to take space? Do you need to speak? Or do you need a pause? Simple as that. Give back the responsibility and the ownership.