No matter your line of work, you’re bound to run into some office drama from time to time. It’s simply unavoidable. In higher ed, with all our petty academic politics, student crises and buffeting from forces outside our ivory towers, the drama level can ascend to amazing heights.
So, how do you cope? How do you avoid getting caught up in all the hubbub of the drama kings and queens and stay productive — or sane?
Here’s a tip that’s helped me deal with the drama: How we choose to perceive a situation can help alleviate some of the stress associated with it.
For me, I’ve chosen to think of office drama as mere kerfluffle. I don’t know why I’ve chosen that word, but it works. It diminishes the level of angst and urgency in my mind to something silly, which is what most dramas are.
A kerfluffle — defined as a “disturbance” or “fuss” by Dictionary.com — is a silly word, a comical word. Calling a situation a kerfluffle deflates the drama from it and makes it seem less, well, dramatic.
Maybe you should think of the dramas in your office as kerfluffles. Or maybe you prefer foofaraw or hullabaloo. Whatever works for you.
If all else fails, you can always hit the drama button.
Higher Ed Marketing 
The drama button. Nice. Hehe.
Thank you for a awesome article.You have given me some ideas and a different way to to write articles.
Thanks
vCommissionAffiliate Internet Marketing
When I worked in the residence halls or as a camp counselor, that is all that was around – “office” drama. Something always caused a stir. The best thing to do is diffuse it with fun or happy hour.
I always like the images of how people race through the office on chairs or turn their office cubicles into hurdles. Or when people do something to someone else’s desk like wrap it in tin foil or plastic wrap.
But if all else fails – go to its time for a Nerf War http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVKnF26qFFM&feature=player_embedded#at=290
Travis – Thanks for sharing. What a great video of the Nerf War. I think that depicts something a bit more elevated than a kerfluffle. ;)
Like DEFCON levels, there are KefluffleCON levels. Nerf War must be KerfluffleCON 1.
Hitting the drama button catching the eyes of all.