Let’s talk about drama.

In every organization, drama is ever-present, manifesting as deadline rushes, interpersonal conflicts, or financial pressures.

Recently, I had the privilege of coaching a CEO who embodied the role of 'the fixer.' She found herself constantly embroiled in resolving these dramas, each story she shared with me steeped in a chaotic cycle of tension and resolution.

This CEO thrived under pressure, drawing energy from each crisis she navigated. Her identity and value in the workplace were intertwined with being the indispensable solver of problems. However, this continuous cycle of tension was not sustainable.

Drama by Design

The organizational culture she had cultivated was one that inadvertently promoted crisis:

• "Too busy to plan!" resulted in a lack of strategic direction.

• "I always trust my gut!" bypassed the development of measurable performance indicators.

• "You either 'get it' or you don't!" eliminated any structured onboarding process.

Marcus Buckingham in "Love and Work" articulates this phenomenon succinctly: "Leadership is about revealing to people the necessity of their contributions and the impact they witness from them." Unfortunately, in her case, the impact observed was fostering dependency rather than empowerment.

Recognizing the toll this environment was taking on herself and her team—many of whom were on the brink of burnout—she knew a transformation was imperative.

Embarking on Change

Change began with her. We revised her approach to time management and delegation, and strategized on implementing systems that promoted a calm, structured workplace.

We also delved into her psychological drivers—her deep-seated need to feel continually needed. Understanding the root of this need allowed us to redefine her approach to leadership to be more about enabling rather than rescuing.

Finally, we prioritized strategic thinking in her schedule, elevating it from a luxury to a necessity. This shift not only changed her perception of her role but also her actual impact as a leader.

She is now on a path from chaos to calm, from being 'the fixer' to becoming a visionary leader who empowers her team.

5 Tips for a Drama-Free Workplace

1. Establish Clear Processes: Set up structured systems for common tasks and challenges to prevent crises from ever arising.

2. Delegate Effectively: Empower team members by delegating tasks, which helps reduce bottlenecks and dependency on a single person.

3. Prioritize Planning: Regularly schedule time to focus on planning, not just daily operations.

4. Develop Transparent Communication: Encourage open lines of communication to grow a sense of security and shared responsibility.

5. Encourage Self-Care: Promote a workplace culture that values mental health and work-life balance.