Guide to Dealing with Office Drama
"She said what?!" - that's usually how this tiny, often microscopic hole turns into a malicious, black hole, devouring the entire collective. And it's never with a bang. It eats the office outwards, the little worm of vanity, intrigue, and narcissistic tendencies. You never see it coming; its nature is sparse, but yet again, and often enough, highly unpredictable. Each office is a peculiar beast. With millions of office spaces around the globe, trust us when we say that every one of them possesses a different social dynamic. Millions of gossip, plotting, and conspiracy scenarios are fabricated within the working hours. It makes us want to quit our jobs and go live in the countryside. Maybe try growing saffron. Move to Mars. Anything but the familiar faces. - No running. Let's try assertiveness instead. This is our guide to dealing with office drama. You can do it.
Gentle shepherd alter-ego
We're not implying your co-workers are sheep. Chances are, they are endearing, benevolent human beings with various qualities. But we're human. We all slip at times. Still, your office conditions affect your productivity. So, set an example, whether you're the boss or just another colleague. (especially if you're leading your team) Stick to social etiquette. Don't follow the gossip herd. Hold yourself and your workplace behavior to the highest standards. Put on your puritan "I'm above it" face, and the rest might follow if they see you not giving in.
.
A set of rules saves the day
If you're the human in charge, set things straight from the get-go. We're talking office conduct. Seal it airtight. We're all pro-freedom, but business is business. It doesn't make a person in charge tyrannical; it's a basic precaution measure. Write your "drama appendix" for professional office conduct; determine the outlines for handling private interpersonal relationships and matters, any unsupported information, and histrionic modus operandi. There's no room for negotiation if you have it in black and white. If you're an employee, talk to your superiors about introducing these written rules.
We're all equals
This one is crucial. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (You go, Aretha) Just by treating every employee with the same dose of consideration and respect, and we mean everyone - from the coffee lady to the CEO, you're already winning the game of avoiding potential office drama. How do you manage different generations under the same office roof? Is there a difference? Keeping a positive, upbeat attitude towards all your colleagues is the key to not letting the "bad seeds" grow and turn into carnivorous plants. Don't play favorites. It irreversibly breaks the collective's tectonic plate. And you know what comes next. Earthquakes.
Radioactive material
Falling victim to toxic chit-chats with your colleagues during lunch breaks is a common misfortune. First, you nod at their progressively aggressive, frustration-packed monologue, but then you notice their eyes fixated around your mouth area. What do you do? You spill the beans so they can feel a bit less alone. But you're forgetting - they're a walking big mouth, preying on any intel to pass on. The next thing you know, your innocent bystander remark becomes the talk of the office. Our little guide to dealing with office drama says: stay clear of the venting curriculum. Take a sharp left and don't look back.
Alt. text: two men talking in the cafeteria
Caption: Don't indulge in toxic venting with your colleagues; it will contribute to the spiral effect.
The role hierarchy
Significant changes, such as moving your New York City office to a different location, can cause mayhem and mutiny within the collective. Who's sitting where? Who are you? We're all creatures of habit. Hiring commercial movers can help with this. With a little bit of trustworthy help in NYC, the transition can be executed smoothly without causing an unnecessary stir. They deal with the logistics; you deal with the people.
People can't stand vagueness. A healthy way of avoiding and dealing with office drama is simply telling it like it is. Every employee should know their job description, their current position, and the amount of authority given through that specific position. People are responsive to hierarchy, which means forming a healthy office "pyramid" will ensure less competition and antagonism within the group. By creating autonomy for each individual, you're preventing hitting an iceberg.
Transparency
According to relocation specialists from roadwaymoving.com, office spaces tend to change their address more frequently due to pandemic circumstances. This can also cause a good stir within the company. Whether you're CEO or a trainee, being transparent about work is crucial for a non-toxic workspace. Tight lips will not do you a solid. People adore speculation; it gets their worst-scenario imagination going. The less secretive you are about things, the less they'll have to speculate about. Let the questioning eyes probe you. Answer directly and as assertively as possible. The more honest you are, the faster the rumors disappear into thin air.
Alt. text: man and woman laughing
Caption: Our guide to dealing with office drama suggests: Transparency is key to obtaining personal peace.
Understanding the underlayer
A lot of materialized drama is unpremeditated; very few will come to work holding a pocketbook with an evil mastermind plan on how to cause havoc. Some people get upset quickly; some have a point but are unable to articulate it in a diplomatic manner. Not all drama is caused by someone's bad intentions. Talking to the person involved will shed some light on their motive. Once you understand their point of view, it's possible to guide them towards a better solution. (next time, try this - not that)
No door slams
Making a bad call, overreacting, or making a mistake is only human. Your colleagues are your empirical 9-5 family, like it or not. How will you respond to your employee's negative feedback if you're the boss? Will they immediately be fired? Or will you listen to what they have to say? Holding a grudge and turning the office against them isn't precisely team play. Second chances will save humanity from misanthropy.
Remember...
...To appreciate someone admitting to their mistakes. Our guide to dealing with office drama says: Anyone owning their guilt is worthy of handshakes, free coffee, and forgiveness.
