How to Handle the Office Complainer

Here she comes, Whining Wanda. When you see her coming down the hall, do you suddenly turn the other direction, as if you left something back in your office, or do you take the chance and bump into her by the water cooler only to tie up the next 30 minutes of your day?

If you chance it, you may end up listening to her latest medical condition. Or maybe it might be the tragic event which occurred in her neighborhood, followed by how the most recent company policy has further undermined her authority. Too late, you waited too long to make up your mind, and Wanda has you tramped as she tells you another mind numbing story. Your attention span is nonexistent as you begin to daydream about faraway lands that would not include the likes of Wanda.

Every job has a Whining Wanda, a complainer who grumbles about current events, her job, personal situations—just anything and everything that she can corner someone in to listening to. A complainer is different from someone who is simply venting.

Every once in a while we all need an ear that we can bend, a compassionate and impartial person who will not only listen to our concerns but may provide us with some guidance if we desire it. At times, some of us may only want someone to listen without providing advice. The simple acknowledgement that someone cares enough to listen can be all the support that we need. And then there are times when guidance and advice is helpful. However, when sharing information with others, you want to be careful what is exchanged in the workplace. Too much information may not be in good taste.

Complainers are people who can drain you and zap all of your energy and positivity if you allow them. If you are continually in their presence, you will find yourself adapting to their ways and their mindset —you don’t want to fall into that trap.

If they are requesting assistance from you, help them if you desire. However it is important that you separate yourself from them so that their bad habits and negativity do not impact you.

Spiritual Lesson – Stop Grumbling and Complaining

Do you remember the story of the Israelites and why they never entered the Promised Land? You may also recall that their journey took them 40 years, when in reality it could have taken them much less time. All because of grumbling and complaining that festered and spread among all of them like an infectious disease.

Don’t let your opportunity to enter whatever Promised Land that God has for you be delayed or nonexistent because of complaining. You can imagine what the result will be for Whining Wanda who will probably spend the next 10 years or more in the same position, without a promotion or a salary increase. Whining Wanda, just like the Israelites, (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) will never enter into the Promised Land. She will be stuck in her current position or she will be downsized and still grumbling and complaining. Take a lesson from Wanda, and imagine how blessed your life can be if you choose to be good natured in all that you do and with every opportunity.

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If you enjoyed this blog post by Dr. Crystal Green (aka Dr. Cris, the Dream Life Doctor) you can look forward to her upcoming book Entering the Promised Land: A spiritual career and lifestyle guide of Hope
You can also read more from Dr. Cris on her blog at www.askdrcris.com