Zombies are in vogue right now. I confess I'm a fan of TV show The Walking Dead. I turn my head away at the zombie action, but I am attracted to the human stories, the drama, and the symbolism.
Do you want zombies working for you?
The only aspect of zombie behavior that might be a useful in the workplace is their intense, singular focus. As with anything taken too far, the results can be disastrous. Let's say that this potentially risky approach is not something we want to perpetuate or reinforce in your employees.
What you want is the "anti-Walking Dead."
As a leader, make sure your employees aren't just on auto-pilot, but instead engaged, energized and thriving, using those creative and discerning brains in their heads.
5 ways to appeal to their magnificently human brains.
1. Foster creativity.
You are not doing your organization any favors by not making room for humans' natural attraction to creativity. Do you know which of your employees needs room for creativity? Some need it more than others. In fact it could be the reason some are not performing or thriving in their current jobs --there is just not enough opportunity to be creative. Or they think there isn't. Explore this with your employees.
2. Cultivate autonomy.
Do you have a tendency to micro-manage? Even with the best of intentions, you could be inhibiting your employees from realizing how much control they have over their own environment.
Are outdated processes or habits hindering your employees from making adjustments that would streamline processes or eliminate waste? Do they know they can question things, and what is within their power to change?
Check in with employees to make sure they know where they have space to maneuver.
3. Encourage and reward initiative.
This one is on the heels of autonomy. Once your employees know what they have the freedom to impact, you can even help them orchestrate success by coaching them on where they have room to step out, and what that would look like. Avoid setting them up for failure and get more of the behavior and performance you are looking for --an important first step toward increased initiative.
