Although it is normal to let off steam and express our concerns in order to find solutions, beware of this! In the dynamic world of work, there is a toxic professional profile that seems indestructible and whose negative attitude can contaminate us all. I introduce you to the dreaded zombie professionals! And I answer a question that I have always wondered about and that is now clear to me: To help or to run away?
The Power of Asking for Help: Humility and Courage in the Workplace
It is essential to understand that we all have the right to express our concerns and dissatisfaction at work. We are human beings with emotions, and sometimes complaints are a way of releasing tensions and seeking solutions to the problems we face in our day-to-day work.
In this context, there is what we might call the ‘meaningful professional complainer’. They are those who occasionally express their concerns with the aim of improving the situation. His or her complaints are neither constant nor destructive; they are specific and temporary expressions that seek constructive solutions. This type of professional values open and honest communication and uses his or her concerns as a tool for personal and professional growth.
This is where learning to ask for help becomes important. We should not hesitate to seek support when we need it. Asking for help does not mean being weak, relying on others, let alone failing. Acknowledging our limitations and seeking support is an act of humility and courage, and should never be seen as humiliating or demeaning.
For some, asking for help may be difficult because of previous bad experiences, lack of support at critical moments, or because they did not find the kind of help they expected, leading to frustration. But by asking for help, we are admitting that no one is superior to anyone else, and when we offer our support, it also does not put us above others.
The Zombie Effect: The Endless Complaint that Destroys the Work Environment
Let’s return to the intriguing world of work zombies. Unlike the complaining professional who uses his or her criticism constructively, the true zombie at work is a toxic, negative character who lives trapped in an endless cycle of complaining with no intention to change. This type of professional becomes a real drag on their environment, creating a heavy, demotivating and pessimistic work climate that affects the whole team.
Unlike the professional who complains in the hope of improving things, the zombie does not look for solutions or opportunities for growth. Instead, they wallow in negativity and dissatisfaction, polluting the environment with their destructive attitude. Imagine a colleague who, instead of contributing, is dedicated to sowing unrest, dragging his colleagues into a state of constant frustration.
This professional freak feeds on the energy of others, becoming a master of deception and continuous complaining. His strategy is to always present himself as the victim of a supposed conspiracy against him, deflecting responsibility and blaming everything and everyone around him for his problems. Unable to own up to his own mistakes, the zombie projects his discomfort onto others, creating an environment in which responsibility and cooperation are replaced by distrust and apathy.
Before deciding whether to walk away from them immediately or to help them, let’s first learn how to identify these zombies.
The Signs of the Work Zombie: 8 Characteristics You Should Know About
It is essential to know how to identify professional zombies in order to avoid being affected by their toxicity. Recognising these people is the first step in taking care of ourselves and creating a positive and productive work environment. Here are some clues to help you spot them:
1. Perpetual Complainers: Zombies are masters of constant complaining, repeating their laments without proposing solutions or seeking positive change.
2. Rebels Without a Cause: In casual conversations, these professionals complain about company injustices, presuming to challenge bosses without offering constructive alternatives.
3. Creative Excuses: They always find a reason to avoid fulfilling their responsibilities. From family excuses to unbelievable situations, anything goes to avoid their tasks.
4. Blame Others: They avoid taking responsibility for their mistakes, always blaming others for their failures and dissatisfaction.
5. Draining Energy: They emit a negativity that spreads and exhausts those around them, transforming the work environment into a demotivating space.
6. Relentless Critics: They do not miss the opportunity to criticise everything, from the company’s products and services to the decisions of others, nothing is good enough for them.
7. No Initiative: They see insurmountable obstacles in everything and reject any new idea, paralysed by the fear of failure.
8. Lack of Empathy: They find it difficult to show distress or guilt and lack genuine empathy. Their apparent concern is only a façade, as in reality they act in a manipulative and sarcastic manner.
Reaching Out in Dark Times: Empathy at Work
Once we have learned to recognise this type of professional, the most common thing to say would be ‘better to run away quickly’. However, I don’t see it that way. If we truly value empathy and genuine companionship, we should ask ourselves an important dilemma: should we try to help a zombie colleague or is it better to walk away to protect ourselves from their negativity?
Empathy and solidarity are essential in our work and personal interactions. If we encounter a colleague who seems caught in a destructive spiral, we almost feel a responsibility to offer our help. Taking a moment to talk to them and understand the reasons behind their attitude can be a crucial step in offering support.
Personally, before I decide to run away, I always look for a way to help in a selfless way. And I encourage you to do the same. I know it can be difficult, but in the end, whether we succeed in changing their perspective or not, you will come away from the experience feeling more complete, better people, partners and professionals.
Listening Behind the Negativity: Understanding the Zombie Partner
Behind those attitudes of negativity, there are stories and contexts that we often don’t see. Understanding the source of their behaviour and offering support can be critical not only to their well-being, but also to the overall team climate. Below, we will explore the importance of understanding their context, providing support and fostering an environment of trust that allows for mutual growth and improvement.
- Understand your Context: A zombie’s behaviour can often be linked to personal or work-related challenges that impact their well-being. Taking the time to listen to their concerns and understand their situation allows us to look beyond their negative attitude and seek ways to collaborate on their improvement.
Be helpful: Demonstrating a genuine interest in this person’s well-being can give them the confidence they need to open up and accept support. Sometimes the simple fact that someone cares can make a big difference to their emotional state. - Fostering a Climate of Trust: By approaching the situation with sensitivity and empathy, we can establish an environment of trust in which the zombie practitioner feels safe to share their feelings and concerns without fear of judgement.
Navigating Zombies: Keys to Keeping Yourself Safe
However, it is not always possible to help colleagues who exhibit toxic behaviour. Despite our best intentions and efforts to be supportive, there are times when these individuals may refuse any help. In such situations, it is vital to remember that our priority must be to look after our own emotional and mental well-being. Below, we will explore practical strategies to protect ourselves from the zombie contagion, from fostering resilience to cultivating constructive communication, ensuring that we can maintain a positive and healthy work environment.
- Fostering Resilience: Developing resilience is an invaluable tool for meeting work challenges with a positive mindset and creative solutions. Resilience allows us to adapt to and learn from difficulties without being affected in a lasting way. By strengthening our resilience, we become a shield against zombie toxicity, ready to overcome any obstacle.
- Constructive Communication: Promoting a culture of open and constructive communication is essential to maintaining a healthy work environment. When complaints arise, it is vital to focus on solutions and improvements. Constructive communication allows us to address problems in an assertive and collaborative manner, avoiding zombie-like negativity.
- Limit Interaction: Reducing time and interaction with highly toxic people is an effective self-protection strategy. Minimising constant contact with zombies helps preserve our mental and emotional health. While it may be difficult to completely avoid their presence in some work environments, it is important to limit their influence and focus on more positive and constructive relationships.
- Distancing: When we encounter a zombie professional, we should not hesitate to walk away. Our mental health and well-being are most important, and we should not allow the negativity of these individuals to affect us. Seeking a healthier and more positive environment is essential to protect ourselves and maintain a constructive attitude.
- Cultivate Positivity: Don’t let zombie complaints and negativity get to you. Cultivate a positive attitude and focus on what really matters in your work and personal life. Find moments of gratitude and joy in the little things, keeping your mind focused on the present and your goals. Positivity acts as a barrier against the toxicity of the work zombie, allowing you to retain your energy and enthusiasm.
- Seek Support: Don’t face the challenge of avoiding the zombie contagion alone. Seek help from colleagues and leaders who share a positive and constructive view of work. Having a support network in your work environment will help you overcome difficulties with more confidence and motivation.
