THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 37: Escaping the Drama Triangle
October 21, 2025
Ever said yes when you wanted to say no, then felt resentful about it later?
In this eye-opening episode, I expose the Drama Triangle: a pattern where you cycle through Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor roles, exhausting yourself while giving your power away.
Discover how to escape this trap and move "above the line" to reclaim your energy, effectiveness, and leadership impact.
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Do you ever say “yes” when you mean “no” and then regret it?
That’s the Drama Triangle at work.
One moment you’re the Rescuer (taking on too much), then the Victim (feeling stuck), and finally the Persecutor (pointing fingers). Each role drains your energy and strips away your power.
In this episode, I uncover the red flags that trap even the smartest leaders in these cycles, and show you how to flip the script with the Empowerment Triangle.
Shift from Rescuer to Coach, Victim to Creator, and Persecutor to Challenger, so you can set boundaries, spark growth, and lead with impact.
"Below the line, you're reacting to problems. Above the line, you're creating solutions. When you move above the line, everything changes. Your team becomes more capable. You get your time and energy back. Problems actually get solved instead of just managed."
Highlights from this episode:
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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Let's keep the party going!
We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Episode #35: Developing Influence and Impact: A Leader's Guide with Salvatore Manzi
What if the problem isn't that you need to be more like those magnetic speakers you admire, but that you need to become more authentically you?
In this transformative conversation with communication expert Salvatore Manzi, we explore how brilliant minds can bridge technical expertise with compelling influence without sacrificing their authenticity. You'll discover the "You Then Me" framework that transforms how leaders connect with their audiences, plus practical strategies for turning your analytical strengths into your greatest communication advantage.
Episode #36:
Freedom from Being Emotionally Hijacked by Difficult Situations with Allison Livingston
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated argument—whether with a child refusing to get ready for school or a colleague pushing back on your feedback—and realized you're no longer trying to solve the problem, you're just trying to win? In this conversation with parent coach Allison Livingston, we explore how high achievers get emotionally hijacked by difficult situations and learn her five-step framework to stay connected without getting hooked, whether dealing with challenging workplace dynamics or personal relationships.
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