Noisy Drama

Drama is the source of enormous energy in our lives. It is a powerful emotional engine. That's why we love movies, opera, sports.

But drama at work is noise. Noise is unproductive energy...waste. What you want in your workplace is a very high "signal to noise" ratio...lots of productive conversations, very few "dramatic conversations."

What's a dramatic conversation? Come on, you hear them everyday! "What did she mean by THAT?" "I'm sick and tired of putting up with his...." "Where is she, did anyone tell her about the meeting?" Noise.

Hugh puts it another way: he calls it "egofriction". What a great term! And, just like noise, the heat that arises from friction is wasted energy, lost opportunity.

Even worse, noisy drama leaves an icky residue all over your business. That residue is composed of "jealousy" and "resentment", which give birth to their deformed offspring, "revenge". These prehistoric emotions are wonderful devices in the hands of a master, but are very messy underfoot when trying to get things done.

So, how do you avoid noisy, messy drama at work? A few thoughts/reactions:

1. Tell the Truth - Simply. Lies, now, there's the stuff of drama!
2. Respect Others - How inane. How can we stir up any action if people go around caring about one another's dignity?
3. Keep Promises - Doing what you say you'll do is boring. It might be great for getting things done, but it makes for such lousy scenes.
4. Think Big Picture - Don't sweat the small stuff...focus on what you're trying to accomplish. Wait, some of the best drama comes from pettiness!
5. Apologize - When you screw up ("who, me?"), own up. Talk about taking the wind out of my sails; I was just startin' to build up a good head of steam here, and you go and tell me you're sorry! Bastard!
6. Forgive - Yup, just like that. Excuse me, I'm asleep over here I'm so bored.

I know you can think of more. What are they?

Comments

[Lloyd Davis]

Admit defeat - 'cos sometimes you have got it wrong and everyone else has got it right. Nooo - grit your teeth, gird up your loins, put on your blinkers and battle on until your body is beaten and bleeding. Then push on to the last gasp of breath is faltering in your throat. And then push on a bit further - NEVER give up - you are perfect - you...are...always...right

[Tom Guarriello]

Absolutely...Never admit that you're wrong...never, or else they'll never believe you're credible again.

Thanks, Lloyd.