There is wisdom in turning a welcoming ear to complaints, in listening to negative comments – whether at home or in the workplace.  Why?  Because, like it or not, those complaints and grumblings are feedback, most probably based on a germ of truth and, certainly, they hold the seeds of a solution.

Listen carefully and objectively.  Your next big business-improvement or relationship enhancement idea could be dished out by a dissatisfied customer or friend, given to you by a grumbling employee or family member, or a complaining colleague or loved one.

As you listen, instead of responding defensively and justifying your actions or position, ask yourself:  what grain of truth is in his complaint?  What’s her dissatisfaction pointing out that I need to see more clearly and address constructively?

Don’t be put off by negative feedback.  Explore it.  You could unearth an idea, though yet disguised as a complaint, that just might enhance your profit picture and your life.