Dissolving Workplace Drama: Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

I am deeply invested in understanding human behavior within corporate settings and in doing so, the concept of emotional expensiveness holds profound implications for organizational dynamics and employee well-being.

Imagine, if you will, a workplace where emotional expensiveness runs rampant – where individuals drain the collective energy and resources of the organization through their constant drama, negativity, and resistance to change. In this environment, productivity stagnates, morale plummets, and the very fabric of the organization frays at the seams.

I work with leaders to chart a course towards more equitable and inclusive workplaces and addressing workplace drama emerges as a critical imperative. By recognizing the intricate connections between drama and the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, organizations can foster cultures where every individual is empowered to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

The Impact of Workplace Drama on DEI:

• Exclusionary Dynamics: Workplace drama often thrives in environments where certain groups are marginalized or excluded, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and bias. Addressing drama is thus a crucial step towards creating more inclusive workplaces where all voices are heard and valued.

• Implicit Bias: Drama can also serve as a conduit for the expression of implicit biases, reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices that undermine efforts towards diversity and inclusion. By addressing drama head-on, organizations can confront and dismantle these harmful narratives, fostering greater awareness and accountability.

• Psychological Safety: DEI efforts hinge on the creation of psychologically safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves without fear of reprisal or judgment. Workplace drama erodes this safety net, creating an environment fraught with tension, mistrust, and anxiety.

In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the pillars of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) stand as guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards organizational excellence and social responsibility. Amidst this backdrop, the issue of workplace drama emerges as both a symptom and a barrier to achieving true DEI.

Getting into the work | Dissolving Workplace Drama:

In today's workplace landscape, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly recognized as crucial components of success, navigating the intricacies of human dynamics is more important than ever. I often reference the work of Cy Wakeman, an author and renowned thought leader in leadership and workplace dynamics, shedding light on the prevalent issue of workplace drama and its impact on organizational performance.

Understanding Employee Evaluation:

• Traditional Metrics: While performance ratings have long been the cornerstone of employee evaluation, Cy Wakeman challenges their adequacy in truly assessing an individual's value within an organization.

• Employee Value Metric: To address this shortfall, Wakeman advocates for a revolutionary approach – the Employee Value Metric. This metric encompasses an employee's current performance, future potential, and crucially, their emotional expensiveness.

Wakeman emphasizes the multiplier effect of emotional expensiveness, underscoring its disproportionate impact on organizational outcomes.

If you don't calculate the emotional expensiveness, you're missing a key component in evaluating the person's value to the organization. Emotional expensiveness refers to the toll an employee's drama or negativity takes on team morale and productivity. It encompasses resistance to change, blame-shifting, and judgmental behaviors.

In the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable workplace, dismantling the barriers created by workplace drama becomes imperative. By embracing the principles espoused by Cy Wakeman and prioritizing contribution over criticism, individuals can play a pivotal role in fostering environments where diversity thrives, and inclusion flourishes.

What can you do now, as a valued employee:

• Embrace Contribution Over Criticism: To stand out in the workplace, shift from judgmental attitudes towards proactive contributions. Instead of criticizing, ask yourself, "What can I do to help?"

• Focus on Basics: Attend to the fundamental aspects of your role – timeliness, responsiveness, and interpersonal skills. Mastery of these basics sets the foundation for excellence.

• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Cultivate a proactive approach to learning and development. Engage with industry peers, anticipate emerging trends, and position yourself at the forefront of innovation.

Career Advice Tips:

• Know Your Value: Understanding your true worth empowers you to strive for continuous improvement. Shift your mindset from questioning external worth to affirming internal value.

• Ditch the Drama: Recognize that drama is often a co-created narrative, and suffering is optional. Choose to engage in constructive behaviors that foster collaboration and positivity.

• Embrace Opportunity: Instead of defaulting to a defensive stance, adopt a mindset of openness to new opportunities. Saying "yes" to what's next opens doors to unforeseen possibilities and growth.🌈