Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers

Constant complainers take up resources, time, and mental bandwidth in the workplace. When you change a culture of complainers to one of contributors, you boost morale, increase productivity, and promote effective communication. In short, you get more done with less drama. In Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers, workplace communication expert Linda Swindling shares her expertise in negotiating tough situations in the workplace. Discover how to influence others to accomplish your purpose. Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers uses scenarios, engaging questions, and survey results to provide strategies that can be implemented immediately.

• Shows how to identify complainers and time drainers
• Provides forms to help prepare for discussions, suggested language to show up powerfully, and encouragement to apply strategies
• Offers concrete phrases and tactics to refocus a complainer and end unproductive conversations

Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers is research-driven and focused on how to identify as well as manage conversations with "venters," complainers, whiners, and energy drainers. With these guidelines for communication, you'll see powerful results, improved relationships, and increased confidence.

Work Drama 101 1

Introduction: How to Use This Book with No Complaints 11

1 Whiners 25

2 Complicators 39

3 Prima Donnas 55

4 Controllers 71

5 Toxics 85

6 What to Do If You’re the Complainer 103

7 Energy Drains 131

8 How to Negotiate Work Drama 151

9 Go Ahead, Complain 171

Resources 185

Complain-a-Gram to Complainer 186

Complain-a-Gram to Company Leader 187

Complainer Type Road Signs and Slogans 188

Conversation Strategies per Complainer Type 189

Related Communication Styles 190

Negotiating Work Drama Checklists 194

Notes 197

References 201

Acknowledgments 205

About the Author 209

LINDA SWINDLING is a workplace communication expert. She began negotiating work drama first as a successful attorney and mediator and later as a keynote speaker, executive coach, and strategic consultant. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and president of Journey On, she is the author of the popular Passports to Success series, which offers thirteen titles on workplace and communication issues. Visit her at www.StopComplainers.com.

Turn Constant Complainers into Productive Contributors

"Got some people at work making you crazy with their inappropriate behavior? Don't give up. Swindling provides ideas and solutions that will make your workplace and life better."
—Mark Sanborn, bestselling author of The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader

"With over two decades of experience on the topic, Linda Swindling simplifies the troubling trend towards more complaining and less doing. Turns out, you shouldn't just walk away or tell Complainers to 'put a cork in it.' Great book and fantastic solutions for leaders and coworkers alike."
—Vince Poscente, author of New York Times bestseller The Age of Speed

"Swindling serves up a very practical tool to keep your cool around constant Complainers. Specifics on how to spot them, stop them, and avoid supporting their habit. Love this book!"
—Dianna Booher, author of Communicate with Confidence and Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader

"Linda Swindling offers a flight plan to take you from a culture of negativity and turbulence to one of responsibility and contribution."
—Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines; author of The Winds of Turbulence

"This is a reference book every manager needs to own and use."
—Jim Eckelberger, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.); Chairman of the Board, Southwest Power Pool

Persistent Complainers are expensive. They take up your time, resources, and mental bandwidth. When you change a culture of complaining to one of contributing, you boost morale, increase productivity, and promote effective communication. In short, you get more done with less drama. Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers shows you how to negotiate the toughest situations in the workplace. With these proven communication strategies, you'll end unproductive conversations and behavior at work and accomplish more with your teams.