No software project is perfect, nor is the organization in which the project takes place. When your software project goes wrong, do your team members complain, or do they take corrective action? The Complaint Free World project encourages people to take notice of how often they complain, and reduce the frequency of the complaints, aiming for a goal of twenty-one complaint-free days.
The Complaint Free World site FAQ describes the basic concern:
CBC Television's coverage of a Complaint-Free World wisely includes a segment of Monty Python's Four Yorkshiremen, for whom complaining seems to be a sort of entertainment. The FAQ references but does not cite studies that "
If your team occasionally drifts into a negative mindset, consider getting some purple bracelets and start aiming for a complaint-free iteration or two.
The Complaint Free World site FAQ describes the basic concern:
CBC Television's coverage of a Complaint-Free World wisely includes a segment of Monty Python's Four Yorkshiremen, for whom complaining seems to be a sort of entertainment. The FAQ references but does not cite studies that "
- Wear a Complaint Free purple bracelet or rubber band (and switch wrists if you complain) 7 times per week
- Think of something you complain about. Write down what would happen if it were resolved positively once per week
- Complain/switch your bracelet fewer times today than you did yesterday 7 times per week
- Write down how many days you've gone without complaining in your Goals on-the-go booklet at least once per day
- If something upsets you, speak directly and only to a person who can change the situation at least once per day
- Check in with a complaint-free partner or with the group’s message board at least 3 times per week
- A complaint can be an excuse not to act. Take action toward an important goal before going to bed once per day
- Actively show gratitude by telling someone in your life how much you appreciate them at least once per day