Managing a Complainer

Key Learning Points

• DON’T: Ignore reasons for anger
• INSTEAD: Ask questions to establish facts
• DON’T: Raise your voice
• INSTEAD: Stay calm and in control
• DON’T: Escalate by being defensive
• INSTEAD: Take responsibility to fix problems
• DON’T: Be vague with help
• INSTEAD: Provide practical solutions

Synopsis

Barney, a neighbor, is irate because his car is blocked in, and gets more heated to discover the staff that does not speak English and that Carlos is no longer cleaning the garage and is now the new receptionist. Carlos tries to show empathy for Barney but it backfires. Carol escalates the anger whilst Marcus demonstrates his effective conflict resolution skills to bring the situation under control.

Barney, the neighbor, arrives irate because his car is blocked in the garage.  He is loud, rude and aggressive and Carlos struggles to handle him. Carol suggests allowing complainers vent, and then to patronize them, which she demonstrates in her interaction with Barney, before storming off. Marcus however, is able to calm Barney down and address each of his problems.  Barney complains to Marcus about Carol's attitude and Marcus discusses constructive dialogue and anger management issues. Carol returns and Marcus helps them both deal with each other in a calmer way to the point where Barney can recognize the true feelings behind his anger. He is able to acknowledge the assistance that Marcus has given him in recognizing anger as a secondary emotion.   

Cutting Edge Communication training videos are designed to provoke discussion and response. Contemporary, fast paced, short, character driven, sitcom-style comedies, these courses take an innovative approach to reaching today's learners. Through laughter, discussion and reaction, we can all develop a more transparent and shared vision of how we wish to behave, how we manage ourselves, and how we cooperate with others.

While some find them insensitive or even outrageous, the vast majority of viewers and participants have found them to be refreshing, stimulating and ideal for injecting energy and enthusiasm back into learning.

For information on other titles in the Cutting Edge Communication Series, please CLICK HERE.

Languages Available (sold separately): English

A 7 Dimensions release