You Don't Get to Complain

Summer is here, but my leadership journey has not stopped. As of June 23, 2017, I have interviewed 32 different leaders from a variety of organizations and positions, from CEO's to school administrators - even a Catholic priest! I have learned a tremendous amount of information and have started the process of applying the lessons to my life.


You Don't Get to Complain

Sharon, an outspoken former Vice President of HR, had a unique leadership philosophy. She stated "you don't get to complain unless you have a plan to follow up." In other words, you don't have the right to complain, unless you have a solution to offer.

How often do you complain? Several years ago, I read a book by Jon Gordon titled The No Complaining Rule. The premise behind the book is that we waste time, energy and spirit by complaining. When we are bogged down by the negativity that complaining generates, we cannot have a positive impact on our lives or the lives of others.

This does not mean that there is no room for challenging ideas or beliefs. On the contrary, leaders must stand up and productively challenge ideas with viable alternatives. In turn, our solution-oriented nature becomes a force of major attraction to others. Why? People are naturally drawn to leaders who are solution-oriented and welcome challenges.

Curbing the Complaints

Unfortunately, complaining has been a major weakness of mine over the years. It has been the glass ceiling of my leadership journey. I have complained, grumbled, and pouted, but have often failed to offer alternatives or solutions. Are you like me? Then, how can we curb the complaints and become a more productive leader? Here are some insights from my interviews:

  • Develop a solution-oriented mindset. Solve problems, don't create them with a poor attitude, brash comment, negative body language, or distracting behavior. 
  • Avoid the trap! Complaining often fuels gossip, stretches the truth, and warps your reputation. Avoid the trap of airing your complaints to the wrong person, in the wrong venue, or without a viable solution. 
  • Use the power of questions. Questions are often a leader's best tool because they shed light on the purpose behind words, decisions, and behaviors. Effective leaders use questions as a mechanism to guide others towards solving their own problems. 
  • Find the lesson behind the challenge. There is a lesson behind any challenge. How can you use this to prepare you for future decisions and action? 
  • Develop a Support Network. Everyone does need to vent from time to time;  however, we often forget to limit our venting to a trusted support network. We don't need to share everything with everyone. As one leader put it, "just because you have a thought, doesn't mean you have to express it." Use your support network to get it out, focus on the things you can control, and then let what you can't control. 
  • Exercise the 24 hour rule. A friend of mine introduced me to the 24 hour rule. You are allowed to be as upset as you want for exactly one day. Vent to your support network. Have a bad attitude or throw a temper tantrum in private. After 24 hours, you need to move on and let go of what you can't control.
  • You are responsible for you. I recently heard a speaker suggest, "People have a lot of problems. Why make them yours?" It is a good reminder that you are responsible for you. In other words, you are responsible for your actions, words, behaviors, and attitude. It's not to say that you shouldn't be concerned about other people; however, you need to realize that you cannot solve everyone's problems. You are only responsible to yourself and your responsibilities. 
Conclusion

Sharon taught me a valuable lesson. Leaders do not have the right to complain. Instead, effective leaders must be solution-oriented and avoid the trap of gossip. They must use the power of questions to influence and shed light on problematic areas. They realize that problems are nothing out of the ordinary. Instead, they try to view the lesson behind the challenge.


For more information on my 50 Leaders in One Year Journey, please visit the following link.

Self-Paced Spelling Quizzes with Google Forms

I recently received an interesting question from you all about Google Forms. How can you create a self-paced spelling quiz on Google Forms?

I was excited to give this a try, so I enlisted the help of Google Forms, Vocaroo, and Flubaroo. Enjoy!



Not only could this be used in the elementary classroom, it may prove helpful in the foreign language classroom.

I always enjoy getting questions from my readers. Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Create Amazing Videos with Toontastic 3D


Toontastic is even more amazing than before with Toontastic 3D. The company is now owned by Google and offers engaging ways to tell your stories on iOS and Android devices.

How does it Work? 

First, you will want to design your 3D character by using your photo or drawing your own. The animations are absolutely animation.


Next, you will begin plotting your story. How will it begin? Where is the climax? How will it end? Toontastic gives you the tools to create an amazing story!


Then, the fun begins! You can bring your characters to life through animations, narration, and creating a soundtrack.

Finally, you can easily export your video without the need for an account.

Conclusion:

Toontasic 3D is a great tool for creating innovative and engaging videos on any device. Whether you have WiFi or none at all, you have the ability to work offline and easily export your videos. The App is free and available to download with no advertisements or in-app purchases!



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