–Below is a leadership bullet from Tom’s rifle named Shot–
NO FIREWORKS! That was the command on the farm—even on, especially on, the Fourth of July. In celebrating with fireworks, one might burn down a haystack, or several, or the barn. Might. But the risk was not worth it.
Leaders often face fireworks of another kind: complaints, vocal complaints, complaints with vitriol—especially if the complaints have merit. How handle them? First prevention: Empathically listen to others, practice open communication, demonstrate approachability, engender a positive work environment, and develop a culture wherein everyone solves problems. Second, handling complaints, if they arise (They will.): Act in a timely manner (avoid panic, however); take the complaints seriously; acknowledge others’ viewpoints; communicate and inform; problem solve—what went wrong (root cause), what alternatives were considered, what solution was (or, will be) adopted, and what risks are mitigated; and, finally, continue the actions that prevent complaints, as already shared.