One of us is not OK.
Games. I learned about these during my coaching training. I'm not talking about the fun ones that you play with friends on boards or consoles. It's the ones we play that are based on ego and emotion. Even worse, we play on autopilot!
This particular one is called The Drama Triangle.
What is it?
Every story needs a villain, a hero and an innocent!
Stephen B. Karpman M.D. created the drama triangle and Eric Berne incorporated it into the theory of Transactional Analysis which explains human behaviour.
The triangle has 3 roles: The Persecutor, The Rescuer and The Victim.
Who are these people?
Each role has certain characteristics.
Persecutor: Believes they're ok, nobody else is and that those people must be told in no uncertain terms! Usually by putting people down or blaming.
Rescuer: Believes they're ok, nobody else is and those people must be saved from themselves or the circumstances! Usually by being overly helpful and self-sacrificing.
Victim: Believes they're not ok, everybody else is and they all need to know about it! Usually by complaining about unmet needs and behaving helplessly.
Lovely folks eh?
What does this look like in our teams?
Well not so fast! These folks are YOU!
As a tester have you ever said, conveyed or felt any of these:
"You're an idiot if you think automated testing is the only thing worth learning! And it's not even testing anyway, it's checking you clown!" (Persecution mode fully engaged!)
"No, it's fine. I'll work late it's not your fault the environment was down. My kids can go without food and the dog will walk itself, all good! Don't worry about recognising my efforts either, Acme Industries is family!" (Rescuer mode in full effect!)
"How on earth can I test that without a GUI? Why are you always dumping your work on me all the time, I can't take this! There's one of me and 10 of you - how am I supposed to cope!? When can I learn all this fancy pants automation when I have all this testing to do? There's no time and I'm not technical enough" (Victim mode enabled!)
Never you right? 😉
Turn the drama into a win!
Turn that frown, or triangle, in this case, upside down!
We can reframe the Drama Triangle into a Winners Triangle (created by Acery Choy):
Assertive (former Persecutor): Say what they need and try to problem solve without blaming or oppressing.
Nurturer (former Rescuer): Respect the capabilities of others, listen without taking over and take responsibility for their own needs.
Vulnerable (former Victim): Recognise they're having a difficult time but don't discount their ability to change things.
Reframe the drama!
How would you, I mean someone else, do this?
"I understand and agree automation is important. I also need to solve the collaboration problem because these stories don't make any sense to me at the moment" (Assertiveness at work!).
"We need to get this release out? What environments can we use without waiting for this one? In case there isn't another one, how else can we work on this tonight? I'll be unavailable because I need to cook for my little ones and the dog is home alone too!" (Oh I see you Nurturing - nice!).
"Hey pals, I'm feeling stressed and under pressure. I have an idea that means you'll handle the scripted work with unit tests and GUI automation, while I look at the rest. Don't worry I can talk you through it!" (Being vulnerable and sharing your feelings FTW!)
What does this mean for testers?
Use the above information to recognise how you're operating to escape the drama and create a winning situation! I've used them to get myself out of tricky situations!
Tips and reminders
The drama roles are fluid. We start interactions in one role and finish in another. When one person changes role, the rest do too!
Role change happens ⚡️fast!⚡️
Labelling people mid-interaction is not smart. Please don't do this!
We can break out of the drama and create a win for everyone!