By Cheryl Scheir
Let me say this from the top: this is not a political post.
And unlike many people who say, “I don’t mean anything political by this,” then go on to say something very political, I promise: I am not about to say something political.
No Drama Obama is actually my professional motto. I landed on it early in my writing career, and it has served me well ever since. (Full disclosure: my personal life, while not quite in “Drama Mama” territory, has some room for improvement in the drama category. That, however, is a matter better discussed on some other blog!)
I use this little rhyme to remind myself of my brand: get the job done with no client-facing drama. That means that:
I always keep in mind toward the key factors in my business: time, content, internal workflow, and external expectations.
As much as it depends on me, I handle what I can handle without making it someone else’s problem.
On the other hand, I aim to be discerning enough to raise a flag when the scope of a problem is too big for me or outside of my purview.
Whenever I bring challenges to someone else’s attention, I always partner the challenge with a possible solution; this avoids any impression that I’m simply trying to wiggle out of what’s being asked of me.
If I need help—and I sometimes do, even with years of experience—I ask for it.
Whatever your line of work right now, take a moment to answer the questions below. Then consider how adopting a No Drama Obama attitude could make a difference for you.
What work challenges are you experiencing right now?
In what ways do others contribute to those challenges?
In what ways do you contribute to those challenges?
What aspect(s) of the situation are inside/outside of your control?
What solutions could you implement within the scope of your current responsibilities?
What opportunities do you have to suggest solutions outside that scope?
For any action you are considering, what risks are associated?
What, if anything, can you do to mitigate those risks?