Being Sarcastic with Complainers to Shut Them Up

[circlespring]

It can be really trying to sit and listen to a fellow worker complain, especially when you are all in the same boat.

Consider the situation when one person complains about their workload and you know that everyone is overloaded.

So, what to do? Using sarcasm is a way of pushing back, but it also makes you come off as rude or dishonest because you are not really saying what you mean.

The better solution is to identify your HOOK: it may be getting mad, impatient, or feeling like the air around you is getting thick.

All the person probably wants is some sympathy or acknowledgment. Save your energy - When you hear complaining, just ask them to tell you the one thing that is the worst about the whole situation.

Listen to that one thing, and then be on your way. You've turned a potentially negative encounter into one that helps build positive relationships.

Here's a sample Everyday Script:

Complaining John: I am worn out. I had to work 12 hours yesterday, and we worked overtime all last week. When's it ever going to stop?

Sarcastic Cindy: (feeling the need to push back because everyone works hard) Yeah, I guess you were here all by yourself.

Sympathetic Cindy: (feeling the need to push back because everyone works hard) Sounds like you are over it. What's getting to you the most about all our overtime?