Yes, I realize this is the Friday before Christmas and I should be sharing thoughts that are cheerful and smiley!  Right??  But sincerely the historic purposes of every TRIPLE III TIME message has been to offer progressive ideas and approaches to life and workplace challenges.  

Hence, with this long-term priority in mind, I believe even more today…we need to address:  Keeping the Extra “D” (Drama) Out of Quality Discussion!

We have all heard the statements:  “Wow this workplace is full of drama!  Or I don’t even try to bring up tough issues…because he or she goes dramatic!  Or I was just trying to explain the opposite viewpoint…and drama took over!”  But has anyone in your network circle lately or ever devoted special time to sit down and positively create a meaningful but firm TOP 10 approaches on how to assist in Keeping the Extra “D” (Drama) Out of Quality Discussion!?  Well, here’s my Christmas time attempt:

1. Be prepared to LISTEN much more…and talk less.
2. Respect that NO ONE is more right or more wrong during the discussion.
3. Apply extra FOCUS on where the drama-driving information is coming from.
4. Fairly assess how much of the real issue…REALLY matters.
5. Place an OVER-REACTION filter on the discussion to prevent out-of-proportion blow-ups.
6. Don’t be surprised by INCORRECT timeframes for resolution of the issue.
7. Attempt to retain SIMPLICITY by handling issues one at a time.
8. Avoid bringing up the past…it is always OLD NEWS.
9. Remember how others deal with an issue is RARELYthe right solution for your challenge.
10. 10. Show appreciation by allowing someone to STEP OUT of the drama…and take a positive breath.

In some ways this almost feels like the “short list” for Keeping the Extra “D” (Drama) Out of Quality Discussion!  However, my hope is that it is a unique TRIPLE III TIME gift to everyone as a way of staying happy and content during these often-stressful holiday times.