Management Tip of the Day: The Right Way to Voice Your Complaint

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 10, 2013 The Right Way to Voice Your Complaint For any organization to thrive, employees need to be able to question how things are done and express dissent. But no one wants to hear grievances. If you have an opinion to share, do it carefully: Choose your audience. Your boss may not be able to remedy your situation. Express your ideas to someone who can actually do something about the problem. Propose a solution. Rather than simply voicing a complaint or spotlighting a problem, try presenting a way to resolve it. This makes it more difficult for others to dismiss you as a grumbler. And it saves your audience the effort of solving it themselves. Use direct factual appeals. You may feel passionately about the issues, but your colleagues are more likely to listen when you express yourself rationally and have evidence to back up your claims. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Communicate Dissent at Work" by Johny T. Garner. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT What You're Really Meant to Do: A Road Map for Reaching Your Unique Potential HBR Press Book How do you create your own definition of success—and reach your unique potential? Building a fulfilling life and career can be a daunting challenge. It takes courage and hard work. Too often, we charge down a path leading to "success" as defined by those around us—and ultimately, are left feeling dissatisfied. Harvard Business School's Robert Steven Kaplan regularly advises executives and students on how to tackle these questions. In this indispensable new book, Kaplan shares a specific and actionable approach to defining your own success and reaching your potential. Drawing on his years of experience, Kaplan proposes an integrated plan for identifying and achieving your goals. He outlines specific steps and exercises to help you understand yourself more deeply, take control of your career, and build your capabilities in a way that fits your passions and aspirations. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Improve Your Ability to Anticipate Crises Set an Email Quota and Stick to It Don't Listen to Customers — Observe Them Set the Right Tone for Your Talk Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview Walk at Your Next Meeting 3 Elements of Great Communication All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)