Why do people get melodramatic? Is it an inability to rein in one’s emotions? Is it about getting attention by yelling or acting out? Could it be a search for validation?
Drama in others is confusing – it seems immature, attention-seeking and unnecessary.
Drama in ourselves? We don’t usually know it’s happening until we’re in the moment.
Here’s what we usually tell ourselves:
“This dilemma is extremely important to me. I’m being treated unjustly. My opinions seem unimportant to you. I want to create a feeling that I am in control of this.”
What to do?
When you feel your voice get louder and faster, and see people back away or look confused, pause and ask yourself:
“Even if this feels good in the moment, what lasting impression am I leaving on other people?”
This is the 6th post in an 18-part series discussing what not to do during conflict situations. Effective leaders avoid portraying these 18 behaviors during conflict and address them in others. Follow along as we explore the negative impact of these behaviors, and what to do instead.
Post 1: Leaders Address Arguing During Conflict
Post 2: Leaders Address Belittling During Conflict
Post 3: Leaders Address Caving In During Conflict
Post 4: Leaders Address Being Defensive During Conflict
Post 5: Leaders Address Dismissing Others’ Opinions During Conflict
Post 6: Leaders Address Drama During Conflict
Post 7: Leaders Address Exaggerating During Conflict
Post 8: Leaders Address Exclusion During Conflict
Post 9: Leaders Address Finger-Pointing During Conflict
Post 10: Leaders Address Gossiping During Conflict
Post 11: Leaders Address Hyper-Criticism During Conflict
Post 12: Leaders Address Overpowering During Conflict
Post 13: Leaders Address Passive-Aggressiveness During Conflict
Post 14: Leaders Address Seeking Revenge During Conflict
Post 15: Leaders Address Sarcasm During Conflict
Post 16: Leaders Address Withdrawing During Conflict
Post 17: Leaders Address Stonewalling During Conflict
Post 18: Leaders Address Sabotage During Conflict