Let’s say that you’re a super serious adult with a super serious job. Now, something’s gone wrong. Maybe you don’t get along with your coworker, have to work tons of overtime, or someone sneaky keeps stealing your lunch from the shared fridge. Broadly speaking, you have two ways to react. You can complain, whine, and criticize everyone around you. Or you can provide some constructive feedback. The former is a ton of fun and we’re guilty of it, but it’s the latter that’ll actually solve the problem.
Generally speaking, complaining is pretty much a one-way street because the focus is on negativity. Venting without providing any ideas on how to improve something probably won’t lead to any changes. Meanwhile, constructive feedback is actually about having a dialogue and resolving any conflicts that you might have with all the other super serious adults doing their super serious jobs. It takes a lot more effort (and, frankly, courage), but it’s the mature approach.
The best way to see if you’re complaining or doing some constructive communication is to consider whether you think about your goals before you start speaking or writing. What exactly do you hope to achieve by addressing issue X or problem Y? By providing some potential solutions, you’re showing that you’re open to compromise and are a problem solver, not just there to say how you feel.
Bosses don’t like having to listen to problems, nor do they value people who aren’t independent or resourceful. When you take the time to think about how you’ll communicate with them, you’re setting yourself up for success. And though it’d be wonderful to just write them an honest note in crayon or pencil, sadly, we no longer have the luxury of acting like kids. We can, however, enjoy kids’ honesty, like the members of r/KidsWhoMeanWell do!
#33 (X-Posting From R/Kidsarefuckingstupid On The Suggestion Of A Member Of This Sub). Bless Her, She Tried. Seems A Bit Confused On The Veteran vs. Veterinarian Thing, Though
