Knowledge is power

When you see unwanted (diva) behavior, you should always ask what the function of that behavior is. For the person in question, there is always an advantage, a certain gain in maintaining the situation. In the case of diva behavior, the person may protect their hero status and unique (power) position, sometimes consciously, usually unconsciously. Dare to have an open conversation with a hero and together, without judgment, explore their hero status. With the following powerful questions, you acknowledge and help them become aware of this behavior and its effect on the team or organization:

• Who or what depends on you? What does it bring you?

• What takes priority for you? What is it not about?

• What behavior have you used so far? What was the effect of your behavior on others?

• What would happen if this dependence was no longer there? What would that bring you? And the organization?

• What steps could you take to reduce the dependence?

• What behavior is associated with that, and would you like to experiment with it?

• What is the effect of that on others and the organization?