If your organization were a TV drama, what kind of storylines would be playing out right now? Would it be a feel-good ensemble piece or a series of plot twists nobody saw coming?

As a former soap opera writer for "All My Children" and "One Life to Live," I was paid to create drama. Now, I help leaders rewrite it. Because while high-stakes emotion is great for ratings, it can derail productivity, engagement, and morale in the workplace. In today's association environment where volunteer boards, staff teams, and multigenerational stakeholders all play a part, miscommunication isn't just an annoyance. It's costly. Gallup estimates that workplace drama and confusion around roles and responsibilities lead to thousands of dollars in lost productivity per employee each year.

So how do we reduce drama without losing the spark?

Every Organization Has a "Show Bible"

In television, the "show bible" is the behind-the-scenes guide that outlines everything from character backstories to plot trajectories. Associations have one too. It's found in your mission statement, bylaws, core values, and, unofficially, in how people actually behave.

The trouble begins when people start improvising without knowing the context or when the script hasn't been updated to reflect who's in the room now.

Ask yourself:

• How clearly are our values and norms communicated?
• Are values and norms modeled consistently from the top down?
• Do newer staff, volunteers, or leaders know the "storyline" they're stepping into?

Sometimes, it's not just about reinforcing the current storyline. It's about rewriting it to reflect the future you're trying to create.

Know Your Cast of Characters

One of the biggest lessons from the writer's room: Conflict isn't random; it's driven by character. Using the ActorTypes framework—a tool I created and trademarked while working in television—can help teams better understand the "characters" we bring into every workplace interaction.

• The Hero wants to save the day but may steamroll quieter voices.
• The Buddy builds connection but can avoid conflict at all costs.
• The Whiz Kid offers data and precision but may miss emotional cues.
• The Superhero drives results but can overwhelm with intensity.

Understanding these styles helps leaders decode what's really happening when tension rises and how to respond effectively.

Rewrite the Script with the EDIT Framework

To help teams flip workplace drama into productive dialogue, try this communication tool inspired by story editing:

• Examine the situation objectively.
• Decode the underlying dynamics.
• Intercept reactive patterns before they escalate.
• Transform the moment into something collaborative and clear.

This isn't just emotional intelligence. It's actionable communication intelligence, and it can shift entire cultures.

Let's Create Must-See Workplace Chemistry

Drama will always show up at work. People care. Emotions run high. But you can decide what kind of show your organization is producing. Will it be a series of misfires and miscommunications, or a compelling story of collaboration, resilience, and growth?

As one association executive told me after a recent keynote, "We don't need more strategy sessions. We need better scripts."