How Drama Queens and Kings Infect the Workplace
Stress remains at an all-time high in work environments and when stress hits the hot button drama queens show up in full force, all day every day.
These are your co-workers, ladies and gentlemen. Or maybe, the following description is actually you!
Here is what happens, and please note, gentlemen, that there are as many drama kings around as there are drama queens. Using high voltage upset and noise is a way of ignoring the real issues that are going on. It is a common human foible to deflect tension rather than handle discord front and center.
Let’s take an example from the media. You could say “Charlie Sheen is a drama queen”! Well, he does “win” the title of real drama king in recent news. Making lots of noise, blaming others, threats of lawsuits, loud, vulgar jokes, slamming fists, he has become large and in charge.
Yet, the important reasons for his being fired from “Two and a Half Men” are shoved under the table so real and positive change cannot happen.
The drama person steams things up to keep the adrenaline running, it is a way to actually stay highly energetic, in a fight mode that is deeply embedded in the nervous system. We can give thanks for this fight or flight reaction that was developed by our ancestors way back from cave dwelling times.
To stave off the drama infecting the office, causing lots of workplace conflict and diminishing team collaboration the drama queen/king needs a dose of reality from others willing to step in. While not fun to do, it can break the tide of upset and annoyance quickly.
How to talk to a drama queen/king? First, they will not hear you unless they are acknowledged for their positive contributions. Yes, these folks are often super creative and engaging when they are not looking for an Oscar for most annoying!
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