Jake says: Newspapers dissect drama while reality shows exploit drama. When it comes to office drama - from interoffice conflict to taking criticism - you'll be better served looking at every angle and coming up with a measured response, the way a good newspaper story does, than impulsively inciting a brawl like a houseguest on The Real World or The Ultimate Fighter. Where drama's concerned, what's good for TV is bad for business.
Nadira says: What is reality TV for if not dramatic situations? Once you've played "20 questions designed to dissolve you" with Donald Trump or Project Runway's Nina Garcia, a plain old annual review from your boss probably won't faze you. And, hi, if you want to learn how to handle yourself in the midst of unmanageable chaos, look no further than Supernanny Jo Frost, whose workplace, like so many of ours, features huge crybabies, crazy clients, and all kinds of anger-management issues.
NEXT: Lesson 6: Winning at the water cooler