Go Along to Go Away

Whenever someone on your team is “going along to get along,” they likely have one foot out the door.

People who are invested in something will have critiques. They’ll have input, because they care. They want the world they’re in to fit them better, because they intend to stay. If you’re making complex vacation plans with a group of friends, and one of them just says “sure, whatever” to every element, do you think they’re extremely committed to the vacation? Heck no, they’re probably already planning to flake.

Consider that whenever you get mildly frustrated by someone’s “complaining.” As long as they’re being respectful and collaborative, what they’re doing isn’t complaining – it’s investing. They’re putting their effort into the project, because they want to see it through. It’s a sign of commitment, and you should be grateful for it.