Got a gripe?
Stand in line. Lots of people can point out a lot of things that are wrong, and
it doesn’t do anybody any good. Instead, when you have a gripe, only go to the
person who can do something about it.
If instead you take that gripe to
someone who can’t do something about it and say, “see Tom, he doesn’t do this
thing,” and roll your eyes, you are now a big part of the problem. Because now,
people don’t feel like they can trust you to handle things with authenticity,
kindness, or compassion.
Next time you see somebody who is missing the mark, go to that person directly and ask for what you need. Or, if you can’t get it from them, go to somebody who can coach them. But never go to another person because that’s gossip, and gossip is hurtful.
Now, if you’re thinking, “but
Roxanne, I just needed to vent.” Let me assure you, venting is gossip. It only
hurts other people, and people look at you differently because they now wonder
what you’ll say when they turn their backs.
From now on, make a commitment to
only directly ask from people what you need. If it’s a negative, ask directly
or go higher up in the organization, but never go to another person. Then, people
will see you as a person of great integrity.