Jon Gordon's latest book, The No Complaining Rule, is a parable of EZ Tech, a company suffering the effects of rampant negativity. Gordon, co-author of The One Minute Manager, may have another winner with this small, but very powerful book.
The story opens with Hope, a Human Resources VP burdened with many negatives in her personal life, dragging herself into work and finding panic and disarray. EZ Tech's CEO has been dragged over the coals by the media for massive failures of the company's battery product. Internal dissension abounds, with employee bloggers releasing damaging internal memos over the Internet. EZ Tech is in trouble and the media is circling in a feeding frenzy, poised for the kill.
Gordon uses this dramatic situation to introduce the no complaining rule, a simple concept to put the company back on the road of open, honest, and positive communications. EZ Tech's CEO realizes he and his staff have focused exclusively on financial results, ignoring the people side of their business.
Gordon credits the idea of a no complaining rule to Dwight Cooper, CEO of PPR, who implemented a similar program in his company. Gordon's reputation as a successful motivational speaker and author provides an impetus for greater positivity in both business and personal interactions through The No Complaining Rule.
The No Complaining Rule
The no complaining rule which follows is structured for businesses, but is equally suitable for families and community organizations. "Employees are not allowed to mindlessly complain to their coworkers. If they have a problem or complaint about the job, their company, their customer, or anything else, they are encouraged to bring the issue to their manager or someone who is in a position to address the complaint. However, the employees must share one or two possible solutions to their complaint as well."
Focusing on the Negative
The reader will recognize this rule as a positive, solution-oriented guideline for solving problems, whether in a business or personal situation. Positive Psychology researchers find that positive thinking and positive approaches to problem solving reduce stress. But it seems humans have a natural tendency to focus on the negative, a trait that was helpful to evolution, but can have undesirable side effects. A positive focus requires conscious effort sufficient to overcome habitual negativity.
Five Alternatives to Complaining
When tempted to complain, Gordon suggests the following five alternatives.
- Practice Gratitude - Researchers find that people can increase their happiness by practicing a daily exercise of noting three blessings each day.
- Praise Others - Focus on what people do right. If offering criticism, do so in a positive way and provide three times as much praise as criticism.
- Focus on Success - Each day, note one or two personal successes for that day. Also look forward to the successes anticipated for the next day.
- Let Go - Focus on things you have the power to change and let go of those over which you lack control.
- Pray and Meditate - Daily prayer and meditation reduces stress and improves health, as well as providing a boost of positive energy.
No Complaining for One Day
To experience the benefits for yourself avoid complaining for one full day. If you succeed and like the resulting feeling, extend complaint avoidance to two days, then a week, and then a month. With your work group or family participating you'll enjoy this more positive approach to life.
If the idea of no complaining is attractive, you'll like HOW TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
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