Move #22: Vent Responsibly

Vent Responsibly: The Leadership Skill You Didn't Know You Needed 

You know that friend—the one who shares everything with you, especially when they’re fired up. You’re their go-to person, their sounding board, their chosen confidant. And while it can feel like an honor to be trusted, it can also be a burden. We’ve all been on the giving or receiving end of a vent session, and while it might feel good in the moment, is it actually helping?

Venting doesn’t magically become more productive when we enter the workforce. Organizations are filled with challenges, and that means people will talk.

Venting Is Inevitable—So Guide It Well

Picture an iceberg: above the surface, your workplace seems fine—tasks are completed, greetings are exchanged. But beneath the surface, unchecked venting could be sinking your ship. 

The good news? Venting isn’t inherently bad. Research shows that when done correctly, venting can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, stress relief, and even stronger team connections. The key lies in how we vent and who we vent to.

♟Find a Good Co-Pilot. Choose one trusted person to process your emotions with—someone who listens, seeks to understand, and actually helps you shift toward solutions, not someone who will just commiserate.

♟Avoid the Group Vent. Venting to multiple people creates gossip, spreads negativity, and escalates those minor issues into major problems because negativity is catchy. Stick to your co-pilot.

♟Be Mindful of the Impact. Studies show that excessive venting can lower mood and even cause empathetic stress in listeners, raising their cortisol levels. Yup- even well intentioned venting can stress everyone else out. Consider how much you’re venting (even to your co-pilot) and whether it’s productive.

♟Coach, Don’t Absorb. If you’re the leader receiving a vent session, don’t take on the weight of everyone’s frustrations. Instead, coach the person who is venting to find a solution. That may mean helping them work through how they will Go to the Source of their frustrations to address their concerns directly.

Venting Can Be Productive—If You Do It Right

No workplace is immune to venting. But leaders who manage venting instead of letting it spiral can transform frustration into action. Encourage your team to vent responsibly, choose the right co-pilots, and always, always keep the conversation moving toward solutions.

♜ Have your team go through Chapter 22 together to assess how effectively you’re implementing this move ♜