Ditch Office Drama

November 2, 2011
Ditch Office Drama

Whether it’s a rumor regarding employee turnover, gossip about the boss or passive-aggressive arguments during meetings, office drama is a killer of workplace productivity.

Research shows it can even cause “worker fatigue.” So, how can we squash office drama?

The first step: “Take inventory of both your interaction strengths (i.e., where you uplift relationships) and the ways you sabotage relationships,” before trying to help others, says Kaley Klemp, co-author of The Drama-Free Office.

When confronting that drama queen, Klemp advises keeping emotion out of it and sticking to the facts. “Share with the person how you contributed to the situation – why it’s your fault, too."

Then, "end with a specific request” about avoiding future drama. The most common drama roles in the office? The Complainer, Controller, Cynic and Caretaker, according to Klemp. Identifying the type (via this handy PDF) helps you customize your approach.

Once they’ve committed to a change in behavior, Klemp says to offer praise when she or he follows through – and don’t be afraid to lay out an ultimatum with “consequences for missing objectives.”

Want more? Take this online drama-assessment to figure out your drama tendencies at work, and find out how well you deal with office drama by taking this Women’s Health quiz.

Getting support from the top, clarifying responsibilities and setting drama-eliminating boundaries can silence the nonsense, says CNN.

Bonus PINK Link: Learn more about the 7 steps to a drama-free office in our online exclusive.

By Caroline Cox

“It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire knowledge of other people's business.” Dolley Madison

*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Salvatore Vuono, David Castillo Dominici, and digitalart

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