The Persecutor-Victim-Rescuer Triangle

1. Understanding the Drama Triangle

The Drama Triangle, developed by Stephen Karpman, is a social model that describes the dysfunctional interactions that can occur within teams and organizations. It consists of three roles: the Persecutor, the Victim, and the Rescuer. Understanding this model can help Systems Leaders recognize and address these dynamics within their teams.

1. The Persecutor: This role involves blaming or criticizing others, often leading to fear and resentment. The Persecutor might impose strict rules or micromanage, which can stifle creativity and innovation​.
2. The Victim: The Victim feels powerless, often complaining about their situation but taking little action to change it. This role can lead to disengagement and low morale within the team​.
3. The Rescuer: The Rescuer steps in to “save” the Victim, often taking on too much responsibility and preventing the Victim from developing their own problem-solving skills. This dynamic can create dependency and reduce overall team effectiveness​.

2. Breaking the Drama Triangle

Systems Leaders must recognize when these roles are being played out within their teams and take steps to break the cycle.

1. Encouraging Empowerment: Instead of rescuing team members, leaders should empower them to solve their own problems. This involves providing support and resources while encouraging autonomy and accountability​.
2. Promoting Accountability: To counter the Victim mentality, leaders should promote a culture of accountability where team members take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. This can be achieved through clear role definitions, regular feedback, and supportive coaching​.
3. Fostering Constructive Conflict: Rather than adopting a Persecutor role, leaders should foster an environment where constructive conflict is encouraged. This means addressing issues directly but with empathy, focusing on problem-solving rather than blame​.