1. The Walking Dead
in a Business
Environment

2. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Introduction
• Unfortunately we start seeing
the signs:
– The energy around your
workplace is decreasing.
– The employees begin to seem
less motivated and productive.
– There seem to be a lot of people
complaining, even about small
things.
• Be careful, zombie-like
behavior can be infectious and
it can be spread throughout
company.

3. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Important
• As a leader or a member of a team, we
need to make sure our coworkers aren’t
just on auto-pilot, but instead engaged,
energized and motivated, using creative
and discerning thinking and not just
coasting from day to day.
• Negative behavior can destroy the
momentum and productivity of an
organization.
• Unless we take serious “anti-lethargic”
action, the zombie-like behavior can
spread among everyone.

4. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Walking Dead Employees – Main Characteristics
Demotivation
Tiredness – fatigue - lethargy
Change of mood
A constant change employee’s attitudes
Lack of Initiative/Participation
Employees seem to no longer be eager to
complete tasks or a projects
Absenteeism
An increase in absences among employees
Complaints
Dissatisfied employees
(very infectious and damaging to
employee spirit)

5. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Walking Dead Company – Main Features
Arbitrary rules – Unfair procedures
High pressure environment leading to
rapid or eventual burnout
Manipulation and Machine-like System(s)
Management distrusts you and others.
Communication that is unprofessional or
disrespectful.
The workplace seems unhappy.
The company has a bad reputation.
The job duties are unclear.

6. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Being a Zombie – Main Advantage
• The only aspect of zombie
behavior that might be useful in
the workplace is their intense,
singular focus, but the ultimate
results can be disastrous.
• However this behavior can be
potentially risky and is not
something we want to reinforce
in our employees.

7. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Strategies to avoid a WD working environment
Encourage open
communication lines
Communication lines provide
measures to improve the business
Develop
ways to recognize employees
Recognition brings out the best in
each employee
Develop
a sense of trust
It creates a positive environment that
encourages full participation and
enjoyment in the workplace
Develop
a positive “Company Culture”
It helps employees to identify
themselves with their company
Hire
the right employees
Engaged employees contribute to the
motivation of the team

8. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Strategies to avoid being a W.D. employee
• Foster creativity:
– When creativity is encouraged everyone
always finds new ways of improving
themselves.
• Cultivate autonomy:
– Determine your own working style, finding
your own professional space. Remember that
you are your own boss.
• Reward yourself:
– Learn to reward yourself, taking advantage of
your achievements.
• Be aware of your job responsibilities:
– Nothing is more dangerous than not knowing
your job responsibilities and boundaries.

9. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Strategies to avoid being a WD employee
• Develop your communication and
relationship skills:
– It helps you to feel motivated to face new
challenges.
• Learn to adapt yourself to new changes:
– It allows you to go further in your career and
company life.
• Always have a plan:
– Having a plan allows you to minimize your
professional and life risks, since you know
where you are going to.
• Make tough decisions:
– They are hard to make but they can mean a
great opportunity to improve yourself.

10. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Conclusion
• We need to be careful with inertial
and disoriented behaviors since
they can negatively transform us
and our working environment.
• If we want to stop the contagion of
a Walking Dead Behavior, we need
to learn to be proactive and to
develop our professional and life
talents to achieve goals and
overcome obstacles.

11. • The following are referenced in this
presentation:
– Hamel Khakhria
http://blog.randstad.ca/Blog/bid/236435/E
mployee-Engagement-Ideas-to-Combat-
The-Walking-Dead
– Laura Quinn
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/first-
person-being-employed-doesn-t-part-
walking-180700083--finance.html
– Nick
http://ayoungpro.com/job-tips-from-the-
walking-dead/
– Mary C Schaefer
http://leadchangegroup.com/defend-your-
workplace-against-the-zombie-
apocalypse/
The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Our References

12. The Walking Dead in a Business Environment
Our Business Contacts
Feel free to send us an e-mail.
Our Website:
www.licoreis.com
Our E-mail:
licoreis@licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com.br
Linkedin: Roberto de Paula Lico Júnior
Skype: roberto.lico