Complaining Is Easy ... Being The Boss Is Not

The most irritating people in any business are the armchair experts on everything. Every time something goes off course, there's that one person who loudly goes around the office telling everyone what "we should be doing." Even worse, they tell fictitious war stories of how things used to be done. Ironically, most of them have never had success in the areas they brag about.

They Know Everything ...

He or she is just doing a lot of talking without a basis of radio reality or radio IQ. The best thing to do is to politely listen and let whatever they say go in one ear and out the other. I have worked around many personalities like them. They can be a real pain yet are useful on the air if they will follow directions. The most important thing is to never repeat what they say to anyone; it's their diabolical plot to start a mutiny and attempt a coup. Don't be lured into his or her BS. They usually start spewing innuendo mixed with half-truths when the ratings are down.

Motivation ...

These rabble-rousers will touch on something like the lack of motivation. Crazy me, but isn't having a job in a business of your own choosing motivational in itself? They also touch a host of usual office topics such as wages, working conditions and an array of other things. I'm not dismissing the possibility of issues in the workplace, but usually these verbal tactics are used to deflect from personal performance.

The New King ....

I was once in a situation where one of these backseat programmers was promoted to PD. Things went pretty much downhill; being in charge is harder than complaining. The person had no clue about dealing with the everyday duties of the position or the skill set to deal with a programming staff. He was now in the crosshairs and paranoia became his middle name. Increasingly, he began to blame everyone when anything did not go well. When you're the boss, complaining from the top and refusing to take responsibility, comes off as dictatorial and egotistical.

It's Their Fault ....

For example, there was a promotion he signed off on that neglected to address our security responsibilities at a station event. The artist refused to perform because there was not enough security. Instead of admitting he blew off all meetings with promotions prior to the performance, he tried to throw the inexperienced Promotions Director under the proverbial bus. Fortunately, the GM's secretary was a part of the meetings he never attended and let her boss know the truth. Had this PD known, he would have never attempted to pass the buck on the issue. Karma is real, all sorts of other things came to light and the PD was fired.

Conclusion

No matter how long you work in this business or any other profession, there are always the one or two narcissists flapping their lips and complaining about anything and everything. It is a no-win situation; in their minds, nothing is ever right. Like I mentioned earlier, the best thing to do is listen and let it go in one ear and out the other. Never repeat anything they say, because someone might overhear and completely misinterpret; at such a point you might unintentionally become part of the problem.