Dealing with Difficult People: The Drama Queen
In this series of dealing with difficult people we must tackle one of the most disruptive personalities in any environment, especially in the work place: the drama queen.
Before you label me a male chauvinist, let me say that the drama queen is not gender specific. Males can make some of the most disruptive drama queens, sexuality issues apart. I do not refer to them as drama “kings” because that title sounds too dignified to represent the type of chaos this personality type brings into any group dynamic.
A drama queen is someone who makes every issue and problem about herself. She always has to be the center of attention. Drama usually follows her or she’ll make sure to create it.
Left unchecked, the drama queen will
- Keep tabs on everyone just in case she needs material to create drama
- Give with the expectation of receiving
- React, well, over react based on run-away emotions
- Never feel satisfied unless she gets her way
- Fail to empathize with the broken, hurt and even sick
- Demand compassion but extend none
Unfortunately this person is also not self aware, so dealing with her in reasonable terms is almost an impossibility. Your options to neutralize her disruption are few. If you suspect you work for a drama queen, I’m sorry for you. Update your resume and keep looking. However, most of us have to deal with her inside work and home environments.
The most effective way I have found to deal with the drama queen is by acknowledging her status as the center of the universe and enlisting her help in dealing with your problem, that has suddenly become hers, and, therefore, worthy of solving.
Is this strategy too manipulative? Do you have a better way?
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Lawrence W. Wilson
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Eddie Pullen
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Jen
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Anonymous
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