Beware the Office Drama Queen

One of the most disruptive personality types in business today is the Drama Queen.  These are the individuals who must be the center of attention even in the office.  They live by their emotions.  If things go well they are maniacally happy to the point of wanting to hug co workers and having their eyes swell with tears of joy.  If things don’t go well for them their frustration can be boundless as they lash out at others in order to try to make themselves feel adequate again.  Here again they have a penchant for crying.  Tears, outbursts,  bizarre behavior or dress are all earmarks of the Drama Queen’s uncontrollable desire for attention.  If you happen to have the misfortune of having a Drama Queen in your midst at work here are some tips to help you cope. First:  If possible avoid having to do anything more than exchange friendly hellos when your paths cross.  This will help you from getting sucked into being recruited into hearing the latest gossip or becoming the victim of gossip by the Drama Queen.
Second: If you are assigned to work together, to manage the Drama Queen keep them focused on the work and keep the work the center of attention. The Drama Queen will inevitably want to talk about scandals, some supposed injustice, gossip and anything that will bring them the focus of your undying attention.  Be careful not to get sucked into this.   Remember if they are speaking ill of someone else the chances are quite good they would do the same of you.  Best way to avoid that is to only have a business relationship and keep bringing them back to the task at hand and the deadlines that need to be met.
Third:  If you do hear that the Drama Queen is spreading gossip about you do confront them firmly, without emotion.   Very matter of factly tell them they need to stop or you will escalate quickly.  Drama Queen’s generally lack courage because in truth they generally lack self esteem.  They will back down quickly if they know you are serious.  The one downside is that they may try to make amends and continue to seek you out to ensure that you do really like them.  It is the self esteem issue. They can’t stand the thought that they may not be loved.
Ultimately, it is best to check your emotions at the door as you enter work.  By doing this you will be more successful in understanding and dealing with what happens during the work day.  Drama Queens are unable to do this because their emotions rule them.  Business is not about emotions it is about maximizing profits.  Until Drama Queens can understand this fact they will continue to feel like a fish out of water since they exhaust themselves and others with all the emotions they bring to the workplace. For more reading : http://www.tyrometer.com