This is the story of Donna the Teflon Office Diva 🧑‍🎤 

Title: “The Star ⭐️ of Suite 407″

In the heart of a glass-towered downtown firm, Suite 407 hummed with the quiet diligence of its employees—except for one.

Teflon Donna arrived every morning 45 minutes late after returning from an extended period of time away from the office, iced coffee in hand, with the unshakable conviction that the office revolved around her in every way possible . Dressed like she had a personal stylist and talking as if the company’s success rode solely on her shoulders, Donna had mastered the art of performative productivity. 

She didn’t just speak in meetings—she at every opportunity succeeded in dominating them, cutting off colleagues mid-sentence to redirect the conversation back to herself and carrying on to the sound of her own voice as her colleagues worked diligently at tuning her out.

When Samantha from marketing proposed a new strategy during a brainstorming session, Donna listened quietly, then repeated her exact idea in slightly different words. The room nodded along, and by the next day, the concept was branded “Donna’s Campaign.” Samantha blinked in disbelief; Donn winked back, as if daring her to challenge the illusion.

Admiration wasn’t just something Donna craved—it was her currency. Her desk was a shrine to her own greatness: framed certificates, glowing reviews she had printed out herself, and a “#1 Innovator” mug she’d  bought online. If a compliment wasn’t offered, she’d manufacture one, quoting fictional praise from “upper management” and referencing imaginary late-night calls where the CEO had sought her advice.

Criticism, however gentle, was met with icy retaliation. When James from accounting pointed out an error in a report Donna had reviewed, Donna spent the next week subtly questioning James’s competence to anyone who would listen. “He’s detail-oriented, sure,” she’d say with a knowing smirk, “but not everyone’s cut out for leadership.”

Behind the charm and curated charisma was something colder—an absence. Empathy, compassion, even basic collegial respect—these were tools Donna used when convenient, not values she held. She’d smile through someone’s bad day, only to use their vulnerability later as leverage.

By the time HR finally noticed the pattern—high turnover in Donna’s teams, anonymous complaints, mysteriously sabotaged projects—it was too late. Donna had already maneuvered into a new role with more visibility, more influence, and, of course, a bigger spotlight.

Because in Donna’s world, there was only ever room for one star.

There have been many versions of “Teflon Donna” in my life and I’m sure you’ve met one or two along your professional journey. These folks display a number of the same characteristics 

Inflated Sense of Self Importance 

Constant Need for Admiration 

Sensitive to Feedback & Criticism 

Manipulative Behaviors

Lack of Empathy 

Idea & Credit Stealer 

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