Work Survival Lessons from ‘The Walking Dead’

13 Sep Work Survival Lessons from ‘The Walking Dead’

Zombies represent our worst fears, the ones that just won’t die, no matter how many times we try to destroy them.  When you’re at work, those fears can hold you back from taking important risks.  Use these cool lessons from salary.com’s article about AMC’s television show, The Walking Dead, to leave fear behind for good and survive even the toughest job.

Fear One: I don’t know what to do.

Solution: Ask for help!

From the first few moments of episode one, Rick needs help.  He needs people to explain how the world has changed during his coma, to teach him about zombies, and to get him to his family.  Once Glenn saves his life and he finds Lori and Carl, there’s no way for them to survive without teamwork.  It’s the same with getting ahead in the office.  You need a mentor for guidance, solid co-workers to get the job done, and good friends to listen to you vent about the worst days.  With a team in place, there’s always someone to help when you’re overwhelmed.

Fear Two: What if I get fired?
Solution: Start a business!

The Walking Dead doesn’t carry much dead weight, no pun intended!  If you’re not a functional part of the team on The Walking Dead, you’re done.  Carol’s husband Ed did nothing around camp and treated his wife like garbage, so he should have known a zombie would eat his brains.  Andrea had to put her beloved sister, Amy, out of her misery when she turned zombie.  It was sad, but necessary.  Many people say that being fired forced them to create their own businesses; why not start yours?

Fear Three: My boss will make me miserable.
Solution: Find a better boss!

A good leader takes the company in the right direction.  Rick knows how to listen, adapt and lead the group to safety.  If your boss if more like The Governor, who has a tendency to kill people when they disagree with him, perhaps you can transfer to a new department or start sending out resumes for a different position altogether.  Life is short, don’t waste time with a jerk for a boss.

If you want to avoid life as a zombie, you’ll have to overcome your fears, pursue your dreams and refuse to settle for a crummy job.

What have you learned from ‘The Walking Dead’?

– à bientôt 

Charell Star | A Girl In A Dress