A long time ago on a contract far, far away, our PMO lead took us to task. “You are all focusing too much on what is wrong here.
It’s upsetting our client.
Why don’t you try reframing these risks as opportunities and presenting solutions instead of complaints?”
That manager was (and is) a great leader. Her advice has stayed with me, though I still have a ways to go in always looking for opportunities and solutions for my clients.
Complaint Free World
Last month someone sent me a link to Will Bowen’s Complaint Free World campaign. It reminded me of some of Maria Gajewski’s posts on Changes That Stick. While waiting for the wristbands to arrive (We’ll see if Lori decides to participate), I decided to start self monitoring for complaints. Each time I found myself complaining, I restarted at day one. The highest I’ve reached so far is 3 days before resetting.
Why Complaining Hurts You As a Project Manager
- You undermine your leadership.
- You are modeling powerlessness.
- You are providing inconsistent vision.
In times of fear constancy, clarity and direction are needed if your team is to have hope. Your team is being bombarded by negative messages. It’s up to you to provide a touchstone of stability.
Self Assessment
How often do you complain over the course of a day? Try it. Take a rubber band and place it on your right wrist. For the rest of the day, let part of your mind be aware of what you are saying (or typing) to others. The next time you find yourself griping about anything at all, move the rubber band to your left wrist, and leave it there for the remainder of the day. If you can get through even one complete day, you are in good shape!
Do you Dare Take the Challenge With Me
Have you taken this Complaint Free World challenge before?
Would you start today and take it with me?
Are you willing to continue until you reach 21 days of no complaining?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
You can monitor my progress on the homepage right sidebar.
(Image by kaibara87)
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Have you taken this Complaint Free World challenge before? – NO
Would you start today and take it with me? – YES
Are you willing to continue until you reach 21 days of no complaining? YES!
This is awesome.
Brian Buck´s last blog post..When Worlds Collide .. Kanban and Project Management
Twitter: alecsatin
Brian,
Great! Keep me posted on how it goes for you. Good to have you aboard.
Alec
Hi Alec,
One of my faves Tim Ferriss did this too and talked about it on his blog. I’m providing it for you and your readers: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/09/18/real-mind-control-the-21-day-no-complaint-experiment/
Thanks for sharing!
I have been working on this one for the past year – the first challenge was to be able to get up without complaining.
Thanks
Twitter: alecsatin
Sara,
Will look forward to reading Tim Ferriss’s experience.
@xr – Great dedication in keeping with it.
Alec
Hi Alec,
Yes, I will take the challenge. Besides, the rubber bracelet is purple – who can resist that?
I really do admire your consistent willingness to improve your life and the lives of others – both through your thoughts and actions. Great job, Alec!
Cheers,
Lori
Twitter: alecsatin
Aw shucks, Lori. Well you are just too much. Thanks!!!
It’s great that you’re taking this challenge, Alec. With all of the negativity in the media and most workplaces right now we need this more than ever!
My former supervisor was really good at reframing “problems” into “opportunities.” I learned a lot from her and find that it really helps clients follow your vision when you put things into a positive frame.
Maria | Never the Same River Twice´s last blog post..Traveling By Your Inner Compass: Make One Small Change