omplaints. Be they from customers or co-workers, whines are generally as welcome as warts. With time at a premium, the amount that is spent on bemoaning and bellyaching is invariably considered lost, with no redeeming value. You should rethink the merits of those complaints.

That merchant you've been handholding for weeks is still stalling for time. You're ready to release a stream of stinging squawks. Yes, you're entitled to let off steam, but rather than blurt them out, take a moment and write them down. Let them sit on that piece of paper rather than hang in the air for all to hear. Go to another task and then return later. Revisiting the rant you've written earlier can reduce the initial agitation.

You're thinking, "I've made the commitment, why can't this merchant?" Exactly! And if you hadn't been pushed to growl and grumble, you might never have seen the need - and opportunity - to rethink your strategy. Complaining replaced by calm - what a concept!

Want to add value to venting? Then back up sniveling with solutions. Think your boss is a jerk? Think your coworkers don't get it? Fuel all that faultfinding into initiating change. Professional candor can have its place provided it's presented with little offense and a lot of latitude. "Hey, Joe, I know we're all working toward being the best ISO/consultants/service providers we can be. I'm having a small problem and need your help ..."

Fearful of taking the high road? Your fear might be stopping you and your coworkers from facing the real reason behind all the whining. Fear is often based on assumptions. Assumptions are not truth. Wrong assumptions prevent opportunity. Provide a forum for redirecting ravings. The time and place can be the local Starbucks before work or TGIF afterward.

And if you happen to be on the receiving end of the soundoff, don't dismiss the dig. The ranter wouldn't be upset unless it meant something to him or her. The literal meaning is not always what's heard loudest. Bite your tongue before answering back. It could be the difference between a brawl and a brand new relationship.

Dissension does have a viable position in the workplace. Just make sure it doesn't take over the entire area. Turn a complaint into constructive communication.

As Lucy says, "That will be 5 cents, please!"