Drama will happen to you whether you like it or not and we all react differently. Some of us hide and proceed in denial, some of us are the heart of the drama, some of us spread it like butter on bread and yes, some of us are the creators.
We all have been or seen the victim of office drama at one time or another. Very often it stems from one person (drama queen; either male or female) being in the wrong and trying to cover up their guilt with the star studded quilt of guilt transference.It can also be a result of one person having too high an opinion of their role in the organisation and they start to occupy everyone else’s time. Since we can’t seem to avoid it (especially since in this century it’s “in” with emancipated drama queens round every corner) how do we handle it and minimize the damage and it’s impact on us? Let’s try these;
- If you can say it never put it in writing: Even if the drama queen emails you and copies in the world avoid replying to all at all costs. If you do not only are you fanning the flames but to all that are watching, you are saying that you are no better than said drama queen.
- Never use the drama queen’s forum to handle drama: Always determine where and when a confrontation if any needs to be carried out. Do not accept to be manipulated or driven into a confrontation you are not prepared for. Drama queens are experts at setting a stage and ensuring there is a suitable audience. Play possum and strike only at the right moment
- Be the cold water to the fire never the catalyst: Sometimes you may have the rare opportunity of being dragged into other people’s drama. If you do not want to be a participant do not play. Be that cold water that they use in Mexico to cool street fights in summer. Be that voice of cold reason that will end the drama. Who knows, you might be investing in some serious mitigation for drama in the future.
- Avoid looking for advocates but witnesses rock!:Very few people who get involved in drama are ever there for your good. So do not deceive yourself that they will defend you. Instead, to beat a drama queen you need an audience…so you can beat them at their game. Do not give them a chance to report on your private confrontation with their version of the story. It will create too much work fixing the damage.
- Build your case: Remember everything you do or say in a drama situation shall be held against you. Don’t confront a drama queen unless the stakes are high and you have a good hand and as Tsung Zu states, never leave your enemy with their backs against the wall because then they have nothing to lose and everything to gain in literally destroying you.
- It should be your reputation and not your ego!: Be sure that it is your reputation you are defending. Your ego needs a regular kick in the shins anyway so don’t mind it so much. Besides if ego is at stake chances are high that you will respond emotionally and make a regular fool of yourself. And this is about keeping it together right?
If said drama queen is determined, chances are you will not avoid the drama. But a little patience, cunning and diplomacy will go a long way in showing who’s who!