All leaders will attract “adrenaline junkies” into their ranks from time to time. To these folks adrenaline is the drug of choice, and they know just how much drama they need in their life to keep the drug flowing. Usually this drug is reserved for a person to access in a crisis. When being chased by a bear, the adrenaline chemical will allow you to run faster and jump higher (see the poster Confidence for more on this topic).

However, since the adrenal gland does not know whether the crisis is real or imagined, it can release the adrenalin when an individual is only faced with a perceived crisis.

To the person receiving the drug, it’s like riding the most exciting roller coaster . . . and oftentimes they want you to get in and ride the ride with them.

A wise leader knows better than to ride the drama ride with the follower. That is not to say the leader won’t empathize with words like “That must be difficult.” “I can’t imagine being in such a tough situation.” “How are you still standing up and walking around?” However, s/he will stop there – refusing to get in the ride and emotionally take the trip. Actually when the leader does get in the ride, s/he becomes less effective in helping the adrenaline junkie regain their footing and clear thinking again.

See the poster The Drama Triangle to better understand the ride on which the person wants to take the leader.

The follower might even offer to pay for your ride. But don’t believe it. In the final analysis, you’ll be the one who pays.

Categories: Listening

Tags: listening