Drama belongs on telly

I love a good drama - police procedural, medical, political, courtroom, family -

when it's on the telly.

I'm not such a fan when it comes to the workplace drama. It's divisive and unhealthy and kills performance and achievement.

Some folks get caught up reacting to a crisis - or a perceived crisis - and the urgency of immediate action. It's exciting. Saving the day. Being outraged on their own or others' behalf.

And there are good reasons to react quickly to a crisis. But professionals train and prepare for them so they can respond effectively.

But workplace dramas are distracting, upsetting and considerably throw out the workplace balance.

So what do you do?

Well, firstly, don't be a drama seeker. Don't pile on.

Stay calm. If you need to, disengage. Set dome boundaries or walk away.

Move from the minutia and the details - where drama lives - and refocus on the bigger picture, like the future or purpose.

Reduce emotional responses by asking questions where the answers are found in the left side of the brain, like - how long have you been thinking about this? 

Let go of the drama. Or keep it where it belongs and enjoy the show from the comfort of your lounge.

#culture #drama #engagement