In high-stakes environments like investment and finance, we like to think we’re rational, objective, above the fray. But behind every “just business” decision is a human being. And humans fall into patterns.
One of the most revealing models I’ve used in coaching is the Drama Triangle. Originally developed by psychologist Stephen Karpman, it describes the reactive roles we tend to play when we’re under pressure, in conflict, or avoiding ownership.
The three roles?
- Victim – “This isn’t fair. I’ve got no control.”
- Persecutor – “Who messed this up? We need accountability.”
- Rescuer – “Let me fix this. I’ll handle it. Again.”
Sound familiar?
You might not slam doors or shout across the office—but these roles still show up. And in finance, they often wear a tie and carry a pitch deck.
Here’s what it looks like on the trading floor, in the boardroom, or during that team debrief you’ve already rewritten three times in your head:
- You’re blindsided by a decision made above your head. You stew silently but don’t raise it. (Victim)
- You lash out in frustration, ripping apart someone’s analysis without giving them a chance to explain. (Persecutor)
- You take on the fallout, smooth it over with the client, stay late fixing it—again. (Rescuer)
And maybe you’ve cycled through all three before the closing bell.
This isn’t about personality.
It’s about patterns.
And these patterns leak performance.
They exhaust decision-making capacity, erode trust on teams, and keep brilliant minds stuck in unproductive loops.
So what’s the alternative?
The flip side of the Drama Triangle is what’s called the Empowerment Triangle:
- Victim becomes Co-Creator – someone who takes ownership, even in constraint.
- Persecutor becomes Challenger – clear, firm, but focused on growth.
- Rescuer becomes Coach – supportive, yes—but not at the expense of self or clarity.
This shift is subtle but game-changing. It’s the difference between firefighting and leadership. Between reactivity and response.
In coaching, this is often where the real work begins:
Unlearning drama.
Reclaiming power.
Breaking loops that no longer serve.
Because when pressure hits—as it always does—clarity doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from seeing differently.
If you’re ready to explore how these patterns might be playing out in your world—quietly shaping performance, team dynamics, even self-perception—this is your invitation.
And if this blog gives you something to think about… imagine what 90 minutes together could unlock.
Best wishes,
Chris
