In everyone's work and pursuits they deal with disgruntled colleagues now and then. It is likely that we have all been the disgruntled colleague one time or another too.
What creates that situation?
For me, I was disgruntled when I felt oppressed, unheard, powerless, and ridiculed. Typically when I saw room for positive change, and my vision was not embraced or respected, I became disgruntled. I typically did try multiple paths to being heard, and as I grew in my profession, I became better at that, but I never achieved the level of good collaboration that I hoped for. In fact today as I read the news, I saw an article emphazing an educational approach I hungered to start at my school many years ago. I knew the approach had great potential for so many students. Yet, I never was able to get that momentum going. That was frustrating. I did become disgruntled.
In my work over time, I've also worked with disgruntled colleagues. These colleagues showed their dissatisfaction in many ways. Some were passive-aggressive about it, others made snide remarks, and still more acted silently in opposition to what was happening. It is upsetting when someone you work closely with is disgruntled. This is especially true if you don't really understand what is going on and why exactly the disgruntled nature appears.
How do you deal with disgruntled colleagues? What do you do? First, it's best to reach out by asking, Is there anything I can do? Next, you can take their lead by how they respond. Some may push you away and others may actually let you do something to help. If the disgruntled person shows signs of self-harm or harm to others, you have to report it sooner than later. Too often people see the signs of danger, but do not act. You can't just sit by and let it happen. And, it's important to consider your role--did you bring about this dissatisfaction and angst in any way? If so, how can you make amends or improve the situation?
Sometimes a disgruntled person simply needs time to think and ponder a situation and a constant barrage of do-gooders only makes the situation worse. Patiently giving someone the time they need to sort out situations is often a good course of action. Recently when dealing with a disgruntled person, this is exactly what they needed. Then in time we were able to talk it out to gain better understanding and collaboration.
To be disgruntled is a sign that something needs to change. Perhaps you have not communicated your needs or ideas satisfactorily or perhaps there's a tender issue at play that you have not revealed or brought forward. If you are disgruntled, perhaps you have too much to do, and you're not getting the time you need to reflect on and enjoy life. A disgruntled person whether it is yourself or someone else clearly needs to take this disposition seriously as it is a sign that something needs to change. It's best to dissect the emotion, and make the needed changes so you can get on with a better life and attitude. Onward.