Revised for 2014
On May 7 we celebrate the Great American Grump Out. That means no grumping, frowning, complaining or hitting for 24 hours.
Grump Out founder, Janice A. Hathy, is the owner of Smile Mania which provides a variety of stress reduction programs and materials. She says that with all the problems and crises that we face on a daily basis, we have “more than enough for us to be irritable and grumpy about”, but the negativity “makes us sick and keeps us sick” with stress related illnesses. She calls it an epidemic!
According to the Smile Mania website, the Grump Out goals are:
- To help people better understand the connection between negative attitudes, stress and health.
- To see America give themselves permission to be friendly, playful, supportive and loving for just one day.
- To lighten up our planet and reduce unhealthy stress through humor.
- To have FUN!
Getting the grump out is a delightful idea but I have to say…why stop after one day? If I have to deal with grumpiness for the other 364 days of the year, I’ll get VERY GRUMPY. How about you?
A bit of venting is helpful and healthy every now and then – but ongoing grump type behavior reaks havoc on morale and productivity. Not to mention customer loyalty.
So whether you celebrate the Great American Grump out or not… let’s get and KEEP the grump out. Here are nine ways to do it.
1. Don’t hire Grumpy to begin with.
2. When you hire people, let them know that you have and want to keep a positive and productive work environment.
3. Do a grump awareness check on yourself. It’s amazing how easily it becomes a habit.
4. Wherever you are, set a good example with your positive attitude.
5. If you’ve already hired someone prone to grumpiness, tell her that having a positive work environment is important to you and you need her help. Who knows? Maybe she doesn’t realize she has become a frequent grumper. That may be enough to help her stop. If not, more one-on-one coaching with her will be needed.
6. Give people opportunities to complain. See How To Have a Great Gripe Session and Complaint Land.
7. Get them involved in coming up with solutions to problems that cause grumpiness. See How To Have a Great Gripe Session and Complaint Land.
8. Give reinforcement, recognition and appreciation to each member of your team.
9. Include opportunities for fun throughout the year.
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