"When you complain, you make yourself a victim" -Eckhart Tolle
Echo and Amigo frequently inform me of their opinions, ideas, and abilities clearly, without apology or anger. For our safety I must invite feedback and hear them. If I miss or ignore their wants or needs it never ends well - in fact, it can be downright dangerous. Humans could learn a thing or two from horses about inviting, expressing, and responding to concerns and opinions as we go through life.
If we do not like a situation, we can:
· Communicate our concerns in a clear, non-judgmental way, and collaborate to attain a solution
· leave it
· change ourselves
· accept it
When we make one of these choices, we can move forward with acceptance versus resentment, anger, or remorse. This does not mean we have to pretend that everything is fine, but we can minimize discomfort if we do not talk about it, feed it with additional energy, or add drama to it. Complaining does not change a situation or the behavior of other people. It keeps us stuck, puts us in in a bad mood, and often makes us resentful.
Great teams know that the best ideas and solutions come from open communication, even if at times it is uncomfortable. They do not avoid conflict. They have the courage to share opinions, the clarity to resolve concerns, and the connection and trust to move forward without baggage.
Does your team welcome and openly address opinions, concerns, and ideas?
How do you know?
