The Hindu Business Line : Vampires at the workplace!

THE November issue of the American Management Association's e-newsletter has an eerie article to start with: "Protect Yourself from Workplace Energy Vampires." No, it is not about switching off unnecessary lights, working without AC, or using eco-friendly chips in your computer.

The problem is with your neighbours, co-workers and colleagues who can "suck the life" out of you. These energy vampires don't sink their teeth on your neck and drink blood, but have the energy to sap your exuberance. "I've seen their fang marks and the carnage they've wrought throughout my practice and in my workshops," writes Judith Orloff in the article.

I guess you have stopped laughing, so we can go about and identify the vampires around us, using tips provided in Judith's book Positive Energy: Ten Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear Into Vibrance, Strength, and Love. Positively long title, that is, though workplace vampires don't have extra-long canines running down their chins.

The first energy vampire is the `sob sister' with a `poor me' attitude; she has more complaints than solutions. If Sob Sister is talking, you can hear her whine, so what do you do to `protect yourself'? Limit the time you spend talking about her complaints, advises Judith. Else, you may soon join the SS category, bleating about paucity of time to do work, when the boss comes around.

Vampire number 2 is the `drama queen' who can with a flourish turn "small incidents into off-the-chart dramas." The Drama Queen has endless stories. Judith gives the example of an employee who, when asked why he was late for work, said he had flu and "almost died"; another day, "his car was towed," and so on.

How to protect yourself? Avoid getting caught up in the histrionics, counsels Judith. "Say, `You must be here on time to keep your job. I'm sorry for all your mishaps but work comes first.'" Heartless, it may seem, but you need to save yourself, right?

Third is the `constant talker or joke teller' who may apparently be entertaining though uninterested in your feelings. "You wait for an opening to get a word in edgewise, but it never comes. Or, he might physically move in so close he's practically breathing on you. You edge backwards, but without missing a beat, he steps closer again." Too real in social occasions, and at times in office. What is the solution? "Understand that these people don't respond to nonverbal cues," is a clue from Judith. "You must assertively speak up and interrupt them."

Fourth energy vampire is the `fixer upper.' Means? "This vampire is desperate for you to fix her endless problems, 24/7." For her, you are the `personal therapist' and she would monopolise "your precious free time." You may simply be lured into "her neediness," but wait! Take Judith's help. "Show empathy, but resist offering solutions." That can save your shoulder from getting wet!

Energy Vampire five is the `blamer,' who has "a sneaky way of making you feel guilty or ineffectual for not getting things just right." Is that the boss who always has "a negative comment to make" to drain off your energy? Judith suggests you protect yourself through visualisation. "Whenever you encounter the negative person, imagine yourself surrounded by a cocoon of white light." Tricky stuff, but don't tell this to your boss, because he can blame you for being in a cocoon.

Last comes the `go for the jugular' vampire. Just the grisly thing you've been afraid of? Almost, this chap is `vindictive'; he can ruthlessly cut you down "with no consideration for your feelings," saying things like: "Forget that job. It's out of your league." What to do? "Understand that he is a wounded person and that his meanness is more connected to himself than to you. Try not to take his words to heart." Philosophical. Give it a try.

Before you begin spotting the vampires around you, check if there are the telltale fang marks on the neck.

SayCheek@TheHindu.co.in