It doesn't take a gift survey to figure out how you're wired. Just look at what drives you crazy, what bothers you. The truth is… what you complain about is what you’re gifted at.
Not everyone spots these problems. They’re invisible to the majority of the population. The whole reason you can see them is because your giftedness gives you the eyes to identify them.
When you’re not gifted at something, the shortcomings don’t bother you. So complaining can be your friend. It tells you where you need to improve and the areas you’re neglecting.
If you’re leading an organization, listen to the complaints of people. Ask them to complain. Tell them to gripe about what bothers them. Then after they’ve thoroughly rolled the organization, ask them to be part of the solution.
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This is part of the weekly lesson I send out to Dream Year participants every Monday morning. The new class starts January 2011. The application deadline is December 10. Visit www.dreamyear.net.
This is a great stuff. Thanks for saying this.
I was always told to stop complaining, but the reason I complained was because I wanted to bring about the problem and help others see it or for that matter just talk about it. I have never heard anyone tell me this before, this opens up a lot. Not that I can just be a complainer, but that the reason I complain is because I see something that God has called me to see.
Posted by: Kyle Reed | October 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Well said Ben. This should affirm and encourage many people to begin to effect where they are today... not just look for the next (or better) thing.
Posted by: Chadjarnagin | October 18, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Spot on man. There's no point trying, without success mind you, to shut off that mechanism within that makes us passionate about the good and bad of certain things. It bothers us for a reason.
Posted by: Patrick Mitchell | October 18, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Love this! Finally I have justification and a purpose for my complaining.
Posted by: Janet Oberholtzer | October 18, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Oh boy, did this affirm me today.
Posted by: Ben | October 18, 2010 at 12:11 PM
ouch that one hurt Ben!
Posted by: RentMyChurch | October 18, 2010 at 01:22 PM
This encouraged me as well. In my last post, I was called out due to my frustration level. Looking back, I was seeing things clearly, but did not have to permission to lead out of the situation.
Now, I'm no longer there!
Posted by: Stacy | October 18, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Wow, new to your site Ben, but I really love this - I've never thought about it that way, but you're right on. Thank you.
Posted by: Nathanduvall | October 19, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I'm taking this to the Board I serve on. Fantastic perspective, and very timely for where we're at.
Posted by: brad | October 19, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Coders I know keep a "hate.txt" file when working with various frameworks or web tools. I wrote a big "hate" list when I started using ProPresenter 3 - those turned into constructive criticisms, filed bugs, and me learning how to work with those things.
love.txt! =)
Posted by: Allan W. | October 19, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Well said. Makes me think of one of my authors books "The No Complaining Rule." It's not about canceling complaining but rather doing away with mindless complaining and replacing it with complaining that leads to solutions and results.
These three videos trip me out: http://www.jongordon.com/thenocomplainingrulevideos.html
Posted by: Daniel Decker | October 19, 2010 at 08:34 PM