Drama: The Uninvited Guest That’s Always in the Room
Drama—it’s like glitter at a party. No one remembers bringing it, but somehow it gets everywhere. In business, drama sneaks in through heated emails, veiled comments, or the tension of a deal hanging by a thread. Sometimes it’s born out of uncertainty; other times, it’s fueled by someone’s emotions running wild. The question isn’t if drama will show up—it’s how you’ll handle it when it does.
Here’s the thing: drama feeds on reaction. The more oxygen you give it, the bigger it grows. So, step one? Breathe. Literally. Take a moment before you respond to that passive-aggressive email or escalating tension in a meeting. Control the tempo. If drama is a fire, your calm is the extinguisher.
But let’s not just survive drama—let’s harness it. Often, it signals something deeper: unmet expectations, misunderstood priorities, or a fear of the unknown. Address those root causes head-on. Ask direct questions like, “What’s really at stake here?” or “What solution would make this better?” You’ll be surprised how quickly clarity deflates chaos.
One last tip: learn to spot drama before it strikes. It’s often lurking in ambiguity or unchecked egos. Clear communication, set boundaries, and a dash of empathy go a long way.
Drama may be inevitable, but letting it run the show? That’s optional. The choice, my friend, is yours.
Mitch Jackson | links