It’s human nature to complain.  It’s also human nature to try and appease those who complain.  But this might be the worst thing you can do.  Forget the fact that you’re reinforcing the wrong behavior (would you let your kid go out with their friends on Friday if they didn’t come home last weekend?)

The real problem with greasing the squeaky wheel is that we’re destroying our chances of creating change.

Whenever we create change, we’re going to produce a lot of squeaky wheels.  People aren’t going to want to change.  They might like the old systems.  Or maybe they are in charge of the old processes.  So they will complain.

If we cater our change to them, change will never happen.

Of course this goes against what your boss might be telling you.  Or maybe even what your client wants.  But you have to ask yourself the question: are you more committed to making a change?  Or more committed to not hearing people complain?

photo by flickr user ninjapoodles