The "Hero to Zero" Syndrome - Workplace Endemic

There is a workplace infirmity that especially attacks strong and seasoned employees. Many of our offices are infected with the malady known as "Hero to Zero" syndrome. (Latin: Victor Ut Nusquam).

Despite no actual change in job output, the victim experiences a swift - often extreme - shift in performance feedback. One moment, the employee is a star performer, the next, they are labeled "Needs Improvement" and are assigned a corrective action plan. A few steps away from being fired.

One moment the office hero, the next a zero.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include:

• reduced credibility,
• struck with demeaning comments,
• sporadic and random negative feedback, and
• feedback incongruent and contradictory to prior comment history.

Side Effects

Long term affects may include:

• Emotional pain and stress,
• accompanied with a significant drop in self-confidence.

Hero to Zero often springs up following a change in organizational structure and/or leadership at the office.

I've witnessed the scene again-and-again... the new boss doesn't know your value/worth and you begin to get feedback that you're doing a poor job. You're still doing the same high-quality work - but perception has changed.

It can be frustrating to have to re-prove yourself to yet another boss.

It can be especially upsetting when you know you do a good job, and are now suddenly on (perceived) equal footing with the slack employee a few cubes down (You know the one). It doesn't seem fair.

Next, you begin to receive negative feedback for the same performance that yesterday made you the star employee.

The last straw... you being to doubt your own skills. When told often enough you're bad at what you do, you begin to believe it.

It is easy to let yourself decline into this condition - but it can be dangerous. You don't want to beat yourself up over the situation. Don't let it get to you - instead - do something about it.

Your Options - What To Do When 'Hero To Zero' Strikes

While Hero To Zero typically can't be prevented, there are steps you can take at early outbreak that allow you to manage the situation.

First step - as in any critical situation - remain calm. You need to keep your wits.

You need to first assess if there is any truth to the feedback.

A) Is there any truth to the feedback?

1. Understand & Address It

Get clarification. Ask what is driving this feedback. Ask for examples. Get thoughts on what you could do better.

2. Fix it.

I won't hurt you to try to fix the problem. Work to address the feedback.

If you can't fix it on your own; ask to get training, take a mini-course, or read some books on the topic.

If it is something that you won't be able to fix, perhaps you're in the wrong role at your job. Or maybe even at the wrong company.

Long story short... like a relationship... if it isn't going to work out, and there is no way you can fix it... stop torturing yourself and get yourself a better situation.

B) Is the feedback untrue?

The true source of the poor feedback may have nothing to do with your actual performance. I was speaking with a friend recently afflicted with Hero To Zero syndrome.

While he was the best on the team, his boss was told she had to cut the budget. Because he had been with the department the longest, he was the "most expensive" employee. She had to let him go, but had to have a reason - so she concocted some "reasons."

You have several options here... But before I get into them... let me explain...

So, here are a few of ways to you could react:

1. Wait It Out

One thing for sure, change happens. Too often a new boss comes in who isn't "all they are cracked up to be." Perhaps they looked good enough on paper to get hired, but in the new job as the role of your boss, it's obvious they won't last.

My advice... While you should respect the role of the boss, it doesn't mean you have to respect the way they do the job (at least in your head). In this case, play the "consider the source" game. If you're getting awful feedback from a goof of a boss, consider the source.

I once read that you can learn just as much from a jerk as a good boss. So see what you can learn.

Don't take the criticism to heart. Don't get worked up or let yourself 'swirl' about it. Listen to the feedback, if some of it applies - perhaps there are changes you can make.

If you are being asked to do things that are not appropriate for the company's culture, or brand, or HR practices, seek confidential advice from someone senior you can trust in the company.

If your boss is clearly inappropriate, keep notes of the challenges you're having. More than likely HR may be coming to you in the upcoming months, asking for feedback on this person... You'll have your thoughts well documented.

So, hang in there. Challenge will reveal your character.

2. Find A Different Role

Perhaps it is simply a personality conflict between you and the new boss. If it seems like you're facing a dead-end, no-win situation... perhaps now is the time switch to a different role within your company. Broaden your horizons. When one door closes, another opens.

3. Find A Different Company

Finally, this may be a sign that your great skills are no longer appreciated at this company... a sign that you need to find another option.

Tough economy or not, life is too short to be treated like crap at work. Find a company where your great skills are again valued, or start your own!

I wrote this article recognizing that all-too-often we do NOT get ourselves out of these bad situations. Especially if you're that strong and seasoned employee I mentioned at the top. You have a passion for the company, an investment. You probably helped build what it is... The last thing you want is to have someone come along and wreck it.

Nevertheless, when you are pushed to the point where you're doubting your own abilities, wondering if you're still smart, asking "is it me?" That is a telltale sign that change needs to take place. You need to fix it or get out.

You need to weigh the 'harm' of the negative situation with the 'benefit' of staying. If you're slowly being chipped down to eventually be fired, you need to be one step ahead of that.

The key lesson here is to NOT beat yourself up over the feedback. The last thing you want to do is go home at night thinking you don't do a good job - when you know you DO do a good job.

My hope today was to give you something to think about. To let you know you're not alone... and to point out that you have options.

If you feel the onset of Hero To Zero, know the symptoms.

In short... Hero to Zero syndrome can affect any one of us at any time. The key is to manage it and not let it get the best of you.

Remember to keep yourself in the driver's seat and take action as required.

Take care,

Paul

Paul Williams
professional problem solver
Idea Sandbox

Idea Sandbox • Seattle | Amsterdam