Complaining Isn’t Enough. It’s Time to Shape.
Engagement is low. Frustration is high. And too many people have quietly given up at work.
In “From Nothing Comes Nothing” my latest monthly column for the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, I reflect on what it means to take ownership in times of widespread resignation. Drawing from a powerful encounter with the 89-year-old founder of OBI, I explore why outrage isn’t enough, why pointing fingers won’t change anything—and why we all have more power to shape our work than we think.
This is a column about responsibility, mindset, and the quiet courage it takes to shape - especially when it would be easier to complain.
A few years ago, I had the chance to meet the founder of OBI. He was 89 years old – and from the very first moment, I felt his energy. We talked about leadership, about society, and about everything that frustrates us. At some point, he leaned forward, looked at me, and said:
“Being outraged is not enough. Complaining won’t help. We have to shape.”
These words stayed with me.
I think of them every time I read the latest Gallup report on the world of work. Once again, the numbers are sobering: Only 21% of employees worldwide feel engaged in their work. 62% do just the minimum. 17% have mentally already quit.
In other words: Almost eight out of ten people are not using their full potential – because they can’t, they’re not allowed to, or they don’t want to. More than half are actively or passively looking for a new job.
It’s easy to blame others: the boss is overwhelmed, the goals are unclear, the company is too bureaucratic. Gallup confirms: 70% of engagement depends directly on the immediate manager.
But many managers are under serious pressure themselves. Gallup shows that their well-being is declining – especially among women and senior leaders. So blaming others is often not enough. The people we point to may already be close to their own limit.
That’s why it’s so important not to lose sight of our own scope for action.
Motivation is not a one-way street. If we always wait for someone else to act, we lose touch with our own power. If we see ourselves as victims of circumstances, we hand over control of our own experience.
Real change starts with ourselves. And it starts small.
What can you influence?
What decision can you make today that’s good for you – and for others?
Where can you stop just functioning – and start shaping?
Three small steps can help:
- Find one area where you truly have influence – and take responsibility.
- Look for allies – because motivation is stronger when shared.
- Reflect on your mindset: Are you just reacting – or already shaping?
Shaping doesn’t mean starting something big. It starts with small steps: a constructive idea instead of quiet frustration. The courage to speak up. The choice to take responsibility – even if it’s not in your job description.
In Germany, we complain a lot. About politics. About the economy. About the weather. And of course – about work. But constant complaining doesn’t lead anywhere. What we need is a renewed will to shape. A focus on what’s possible. And an awareness of what we bring to the table: clarity, reliability, and depth. These are things we can build on – in small ways and big ones.
Yes, leaders carry responsibility. But they are not responsible for everything. If we want work to change, we have to change too.
Gallup shows that engaged people experience less stress and rate their lives more positively. Engagement goes beyond the workplace.
What does it take?
Not a new slogan.
But participation. Courage.
And the understanding that shaping is not about your job title – it’s about your attitude.
Or, as the 89-year-old founder said so clearly:
“Complaining won’t help. We have to shape.”
From Nothing Comes Nothing.