Many of us must have had an experience with a Whiny co-worker. They can’t stop complaining. They are always venting their negative feelings about the boss, other colleagues, meeting schedules, deadlines and even the coffee machine.

So, how can you work with a whiny colleague when you feel that you will explode if they complain one more time?

Ask their intention directly

Ask the colleague directly whether they want a solution or they just want to vent for the sake of it. It may come as a direct or harsh message, but it will help them to channel their complaints, and help you more by escaping their rants. If they want to vent, even that is fine, as long as they are aware that you are not up for a purposeless blame game.

Understand the context

If they want a suggestion, help them frame the context of their complains. Encourage them to take an assertive step to remedy the situation, rather than keep complaining. Remember how Ross in ‘Friends’ kept complaining about his three divorces, and Phoebe helped him to put in a perspective.

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Following these three steps should help this co-worker realize the toll their complaining’s taking on you and either stop using you for vents or be more proactive.

Read Also: What To Do When Your Co-Workers Are Noisy

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