What Drama Really Looks Like

We all probably know one person at work who always seems to be caught up in some sort of personal or office drama. You know who they are, and you know better than to get caught up in their latest turmoil de jour.

However, while we refuse to allow ourselves to get caught up in obvious drama, we tend to overlook subtle ways we can create drama of our own. I’ve listed four scenarios that I’ve noticed tend to stir up drama that, intentional or not, distracts from the main thing, creates discontent, and slows momentum. (more…)

What if the people you lead could only grow based on what they heard you say to others? What if people adopted the mood and outlook of your Facebook or Twitter posts? What if your teammates learned about your leadership philosophy not by what you said to them but by what you said to others when you thought no one else was listening? (more…)

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
– Variations attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt & Socrates

Discussing people…otherwise known as “gossip.” Yuck! The word itself sounds so trite, yet if we are honest, how many of us would say we have engaged in this ugly little activity that causes so much heartache and strife among teams?

Gossip doesn’t have to be intentionally malicious to cause harm. Gossip is simply talking about people, often in an unfavorable way.

Gossip…

  • Doesn’t resolve the real problem
  • Hurts the people we’re talking about (and they usually find out)
  • Creates distractions and distrust
  • Spreads untruths
  • Makes others wonder if we talk about them too

Leaders don’t waste time engaging in gossip. They rise above it. So how can we take today’s quote to heart?

Instead of talking about your teammates…

  • Consider how you want to be treated
  • Speak directly to the teammate about the issue/challenge
  • Focus on a solution instead of the person
  • Approach the situation as an opportunity to build trust

If your team has a culture that fosters gossip, be the first to turn the tide. When gossip comes up, speak up or walk away. Have an honest conversation with your teammates about what gossip is doing to your team, and how you can work together to end it. The more time your team focuses on ideas – instead of one another – the more productive and satisfied everyone will be.