We all tend to have a default way of looking at problems and our role in them. Whether it’s a minor issue or a full-blown crisis, there is a story that automatically plays out in our heads and colors how we perceive solutions. Sometimes, this perception is correct; other times, it’s off-target or counterproductive. But in every case, understanding how we approach conflict—followed by positively reframing our role—can make real solutions possible. 

This is where the Drama Triangle and a more recent interpretation of it, the Empowerment Triangle, can help. Let’s look at these tools and how they help us overcome issues.