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Some people cannot communicate unless they are complaining. It's irritating, isn't it? Usually this costs a person friends. Sometimes it may even cost a person his job ...

Greg was forever grumbling. "There's no coffee." "That department has a pizza party and we don't ever get anything fun." "Those warehouse employees get to wear jeans; I have to wear dress pants!" Grumble, grumble, grumble was all Greg did. I secretly called him Grouchy Greg when I shared his latest complaints with my husband.

Greg was a great worker. He was always polite with the customers, helping them find the right part or suggesting tools be used in a different way so they could get more use from them. He was an expert electrician and was very sought after to help neighbors begin electrical projects. But his grumbling alienated him from his co--workers and friends.

Grouchy Greg was busy complaining to a supervisor about the coffee stain on the carpet in front of the break room when he experienced chest pains. We figured he must have been acting because he was so upset and animated about the coffee stain. But Greg's face became white, and he clutched at his left shoulder. He stopped speaking mid--sentence and looked strange. The supervisor immediately called 911 from his cell phone and had Greg sit down. We were all concerned and the paramedics had to fight a small crowd when they came to take Greg to the hospital several minutes later. We were all so worried! I have to say I felt terribly guilty over past ungracious thoughts of Greg as I asked God to spare his life.

It was over six months before Greg could return to work. More workers had been added in his department, he didn't remember the prices that well anymore, but everyone was patient and understanding during his transition. He was back to his old level of giving excellent advice in no time. And in no time he was back to his grumbling.

Greg's manager was promoted to supervisor in another department. Greg had just a little more experience, and Greg and one other co--worker were interviewed for the manager's position. They each had positive interviews, and it came down to the senior manager to make the final decision.

"You both have had the same opportunities, the same conditions, and the same level of training. I've decided to promote Nancy because of her positive outlook for the company. She is upbeat when speaking about the company, she never complains about her colleagues, and she has a positive approach to her work. Nancy will be the new manager."

Greg grumbled louder than ever the following days. He moaned that it was all unfair, it was surely because of his heart attack, or it was a sexist issue. The manager called Greg in.

"Make no mistake about this, Greg. You give the best advice to our customers because of your electrician background. But you were passed over because you complain, whine, and whimper about any little thing. Instead of suggesting a remedy, you continue to whine until you find something else to complain about. It's unproductive, irritating, and, frankly, it has come between you and a promotion. I hope you give it careful thought."

Greg's head hung low as he slithered out of the office. He thought about it. He had a pre--existing condition as far as his insurance coverage was concerned and, at 56, was not likely going to find another good job so easily. He did like his job. He would have to learn to adjust. And maybe he would have to learn to adjust his attitude. Just a little bit.

It was Greg's brother who helped adjust Greg's attitude. "Every time you think you need to be a grouch, write a note about something that's good. Look at the bright side and stop being such a pain in the patooty! Man, you can be quite a headache!"

It took years to turn Greg's grumpiness into gratitude. But as more and more positive things came to light, less and less negative things surfaced. Greg took to writing little notes and sticking them in surprising little places for people to find: in calendars, on a locker, on the window of a car. He wrote little notes to his co--workers when he saw good things happen. He wrote the punch lines of jokes he had shared earlier in the day. And he wrote thank you notes to the janitors for their efforts.

Grumpy Greg never made it to manager of his department, but he made quite an impression on his supervisor when he was asked to take charge of the new trainees: the "newbies." He was chosen for his positive attitude. After all, enthusiasm is contagious!