Office drama is something we’ve all dealt with, but is it inevitable? Unfortunately, it is, argues Susi Astengo, an expert career coach and founder of CoachMatching. In 2016, she won the Businesswomen Association’s top prize, so she really knows a thing or two about surviving (and thriving) in an office environment. ‘Drama in the workplace comes because of differences – your colleagues aren’t usually bad people, but they come with their own baggage. When you come to work, you’re 100% a person, not just a work persona’, she explains.
However, this doesn’t mean that it’s an easy thing to work with someone who may be a bit of a character. But you can make it a lot easier by keeping your interactions factual and work-related, advises Penny Holburne, a multi-award-winning business and career coach, and founder of her own coaching business. These experts break down the five types of office drama queens – and how to make peace with them.
WHY THE DRAMA DEVELOPS
Way back in 1968, psychiatrist Stephen Karpman developed a model termed 'The Drama Triangle' which explains how conflict relates to what we believe about ourselves and our environment. This triangle revolves around three roles victim, rescuer, and persecutor. The victim is the 'feel sorry for me' role; the rescuer is the 'helper' or challenger role; and the persecutor is the resentful, 'bullying' role. When we're stuck in this triangle, we tend to take up one of these roles as the drama continues. The endless cycle of aggression, victimisation and rescuing continues endlessly - until you make a concerted effort to break free from this detrimental mindset.
KNOWING YOU, KNOWING ME
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.
Bye-bye BFF
We all age at the same rate, but we don't all grow up at a matching pace. So, what do you do if you feel like you're outgrowing your friends?
The science of SLUMBER
According to world-renowned sleep expert and neuroscientist Dr Matthew Walker, sleep is our best superpower. Here's why...
Money mindset MATTERS
Looking for less stress and more progress when it comes to reaching your #moneygoals? Here are five positive money habits to cultivate on your journey to financial freedom.
FUTURE PROOF - YOUR CAREER
\"Soft skills\" are more crucial to your career than you may think. We look at some of the most important professional skills you can attain to safeguard your working future...
HEAR THEM Roar
Through resilience and determination, these three extraordinary South African women have emerged as trailblazers. Here's how Candice Chirwa, Mushfiqoh Samodien and Julia Stuart make the impossible possible and the world a better place.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Pretty Yende has performed in the world's grandest opera theatres. She'll tick off even more this year, but she's driven not by a bucket list but by a burning curiosity to see how far she can challenge her voice and herself.
5 MINUTES WITH LEBOHANG MASANGO
SOCIAL ANTIIROPOLOGIST AND AUTITOR
Shall we DANCE?
I can confirm: It does take two to tango.
Empowerment UNLOCKED
Working women face a unique set of challenges both globally and here in South Africa. We find out what you can do to get fit for financial success.