Stay Hungry
The secret for complaining less and doing more
Image: pexels Klaus Nielsen
Constant complaining never leads to solutions; it only fosters negativity and stagnation. Instead of waiting for change, it is time to embrace action and become a doer through small, impactful steps. This newsletter will discuss how being hungry for opportunity means taking tasks off your manager’s plate and showing initiative. Learn how these actions lighten the load and pave the way for individual and team success!
“I don’t understand—this business is going bust, and the managers appear oblivious to our situation!” Mark remarked as he poured himself another cup of coffee. “Why is it so difficult for them to address the issues here?”
It was lunchtime at a mid-sized company. Mark leaned toward his coworker, Louisa, airing his daily frustrations about the widespread disorganization, the lack of communication and direction from their leadership, and how things would be different (and certainly better)—if only he were given the opportunity. The two exchanged knowing glances, harshly criticizing all decisions made “above”, rolling their eyes whenever their manager’s name surfaced.
However, Mark found a peculiar comfort in this routine. Complaining and gossiping in the breakroom allowed him to remain safely in the background. After all, if one avoids taking responsibility, they cannot be held accountable when things go wrong, right?
Day after day, Mark kept a low profile, performed only the minimum necessary to meet expectations, and waited for someone else to take the initiative to solve problems. He remained buried in his cubicle, avoiding decisions, risks, additional workload, and more importantly potential discomfort. However, Mark failed to realize that while choosing this attitude, he turned his back on growth opportunities, oblivious to how his lack of proactiveness had already cost him several promotions in the past. He was not stagnating because of management; he was stagnating due to his lack of drive to step up and make a meaningful impact.
Shifting from Victim to Agent
In Mark's story, he adopts a victim mentality, resigning himself to his management´s decisions and the resulting impact on his work. He feels powerless and resorts to criticism as his primary outlet for frustration. He fails to see how his passive attitude only exacerbates his sense of helplessness and dissatisfaction. By pointing his finger at others and engaging in the blame game, he sets himself up for ongoing discontent, disengagement, and, in extreme cases, burnout.
Furthermore, negativity spreads like a contagious disease within organizations, infecting everyone it touches. It undermines collaboration, erodes team spirit, and kills creative thinking. In our experience working with organizations, my colleagues Dr. Ross Wirth, Dr. Reg Butterfield and I have witnessed entire teams spend their time and resources lamenting their victimhood, consequently fostering a toxic work environment that hinders their ability to reframe problems into opportunities.
If you, like Mark, find yourself trapped in this cycle of negativity and victimhood, there is good news: the remedy is simple—reclaim your sense of agency!
Be a hungry team player
Yes, you read that correctly. And no, we are not talking about hunger in the sense of craving food. In his book, The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni presents a framework for identifying exceptional employees. He defines three key characteristics: hungry, humble, and smart. A hungry employee takes the initiative, actively seeks out additional responsibilities, and continuously looks for ways to contribute beyond their job description.
As a hungry member of a team, you should be continuously asking yourself these questions:
How will my organization be better tomorrow, as a result of how I choose to engage today?
In what ways do I contribute to the issue at hand?
How can I be part of the solution?
Once you have identified your answers, choose to act upon your findings. Remember: action is a choice.
Gen Z and the challenge to start small
When we examine the feedback from hiring managers regarding their experiences with Gen Z employees, a clear pattern emerges. Many managers express concerns that this generation lacks initiative and is less proactive than their older colleagues when it comes to problem-solving and completing tasks.
Conversely, when we speak with Gen Z individuals, we often hear that their reluctance to take initiative stems from inexperience, and fear of potential consequences if they act.
If you are a Gen Z employee, trying to become more proactive, here are some suggestions on how to show that you are hungry, even without experience:
Acknowledge your inexperience: accept that while you may lack years on the road, it does not mean you cannot contribute great ideas. Stay humble—no matter how well you did in school, the real world is more complex. Listen to different perspectives, then form your conclusions.
Start small: Show initiative by handling an overlooked task or volunteering for a project that needs momentum.
Take calculated risks: sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Do not hesitate to try something new, and remember to ask for support or coaching whenever you need it.
If you manage Gen Z team members, remember what it was like when you were starting. Offer guidance, be patient, and give them the space to learn and grow.
The Challenge for the next 14 days
Make it a point to take something—no matter how small—off your manager’s plate every week. This simple act demonstrates that you are not just waiting for change, but actively contributing to it. Once you have started doing this regularly, observe how your manager responds:
Is communication improving between you?
Are they seeking your input when discussing new challenges?
Are you being offered the opportunity to participate in more significant projects?
"An inch of action is worth a mile of words."
John R. McCarthy
The willingness to act stands out as a defining trait among successful professionals. In a world where many choose to remain passive, those who embrace initiative demonstrate their character, commitment, and determination. Be one of them!
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