Although life was physically more difficult in the days of the horse and carriage, we complained much less back then, and when we did, our complaints were more likely to get results. Today we complain about everything--yet do so with remarkable ineffectiveness. Most of us grumble, vent, and kvetch, neither expecting nor getting meaningful resolutions. Wasting prodigious amounts of time and energy on unproductive complaints can take an emotional and psychological toll on our moods and well-being. We desperately need to relearn the art of complaining effectively. Psychotherapist Guy Winch offers practical and psychologically grounded advice on how to determine what to complain about and what to let slide. He demonstrates how to convey our complaints in ways that encourage cooperation and increase the likelihood of getting resolutions to our dissatisfactions. The principles he spells out apply whether we're dealing with a rude store clerk, a bureaucrat, a coworker, our teenager, or a spouse or partner who's driving us crazy. Complaining constructively can be extremely empowering and it can significantly strengthen our personal, familial, and work relationships. Applying our new-found complaining skills to customer service representatives, corporate leaders, and elected officials increases the odds that our comments will be taken seriously. If we all complained more effectively, squeaky wheels could change our own lives as well as the world for the better.
Download and start listening now!
"This book was well written and made some very interesting points. It made me stop and think about what to to do to complain more effectively and to just stop ineffective complaining altogether as much as possible. The author used interesting examples to illustrate his thoughts. "
— Laurie (4 out of 5 stars)
" How to complain in such a way that you are heard and your complaint gets results. "
— Caran-marie, 10/10/2013" Slightly wordy and mostly commonsense. A worthwhile read nevertheless. "
— Hom, 9/12/2012" This book was well written and made some very interesting points. It made me stop and think about what to to do to complain more effectively and to just stop ineffective complaining altogether as much as possible. The author used interesting examples to illustrate his thoughts. "
— Laurie, 8/20/2012" A few good examples of how to complain to get results, but nothing new if you read blogs like LifeHacker "
— Spazfungus, 5/22/2012" Very clever, witty, writer. Enjoyed this book immensely and gathered many tips on how to complain effectively. Sorry that the book is on hold and have to return it already. I will take it out again later and possibly do a speech on this at Toastmasters. "
— Susan, 2/15/2012" This was one of the most enjoyable and informative books I've read in a long time. The author has a great sense of humor and has wonderful stories and case studies. This book will come in very handy in more ways than one. A great read. Highly recommended. "
— Alice, 6/1/2011" Slightly wordy and mostly commonsense. A worthwhile read nevertheless. "
— Hom, 5/8/2011" How to complain in such a way that you are heard and your complaint gets results. "
— Caran-marie, 3/19/2011" <br/> <br/>This was one of the most enjoyable and informative books I've read in a long time. The author has a great sense of humor and has wonderful stories and case studies. This book will come in very handy in more ways than one. A great read. Highly recommended. <br/> "
— Alice, 1/12/2011Guy Winch, PhD, holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from New York University and has a private practice in Manhattan. His first book, The Squeaky Wheel, has been translated into six languages. A member of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Winch is also an in-demand keynote speaker.