The Arsonist
I was just reading the news about President Trump reversing some of his tariffs on trade. It got me thinking about the “Arsonist" archetype, someone who covertly creates or inflames problems only to publicly fix them later. It’s not just ego. It’s a calculated tactic. These individuals thrive on drama, control, and visibility. And the entertainment industry, with its high stakes and tight deadlines, seems to breed them.
My introduction to the “Arsonist” came while scribbling on a TV show where a non-writing producer, unfamiliar with the genre, was determined to assert relevance and control. Lacking a clear creative foothold, they began stirring up conflicts, questioning decisions, pointing out "obstacles," and pushing urgent fixes for issues no one else saw. More than once, they manufactured chaos only to position themselves as the indispensable problem-solver.
Have you ever had a colleague who always seemed to swoop in just in time to save the day, but only after the problem has mysteriously appeared under their watch? That’s not a coincidence. That’s an "Arsonist."
Let this be your guide to spotting fire-starters, understanding what drives them, and learning how to protect your team from the fallout.
Psychologically, this behavior is often linked to high-conflict personalities.
Traits include:
Escalating rather than resolving conflict
Black-and-white thinking
Blaming others for their own mistakes
Drawing others into drama to create sides
It can also echo patterns seen in certain personality disorders, like narcissistic or antisocial tendencies, where manipulation and a need for validation override concern for others. In business, "Arsonist" tactics can serve very strategic purposes:
Gain recognition for fixing the problems they created
Undermine rivals by exposing or creating failures
Distract from their own missteps
They often use methods like triangulation—pulling in third parties to stir confusion or conflict—to stay at the center of the action. The goal? Appear essential.
Firewatch: Red Flags
A suspicious pattern of crisis followed by heroic resolution
Frequent feuds or "misunderstandings"
Shifting blame when things go wrong
Constantly positioning themselves as the fixer
If it feels like someone is addicted to chaos, they probably are.
Protect Yourself and Your Team
Document Everything: Keep a paper trail. When problems arise, track timelines and communication.
Clarify Roles: Make responsibilities and decision-making transparent. Ambiguity is the arsonist’s fuel.
Limit Triangulation: Encourage direct communication. Don’t let them play mediator.
Set Boundaries: Call out patterns and redirect focus to solutions, not theatrics.
Escalate If Needed: If the behavior doesn’t change, involve leadership or HR.
Who They’re Not: Healthy Problem SolversLet’s compare:
The Arsonist doesn’t just burn things down. They build their career from the ashes. If you’re not careful, your team could be the kindling. Spot the signs. Address the behavior. And protect your people from these firestarters. But don’t forget to always be scribbling!
