Apathy is a word that is usually associated with negativity around work. However, I’ve found it to be crucial to embrace and balance out empathy. One of my mottos is: “Apathy is just as important as empathy. Know when to be invested, but just as importantly, know when not to.” This principle has guided my leadership style and helped me navigate the complexities of managing diverse teams.
Every time I meet with a new employee I’m supporting or managing, I make it a priority to get to know them and understand their unique circumstances. People approach challenges and changes very differently depending on their background, current financial status, feeling of being valued, etc. Early in my career, I had managers who dove straight into work without getting to know me. While that’s one approach, I found that I created stronger bonds and loyalty towards managers who truly cared about me and sought to understand me better.
On the flip side, I’ve mentored many junior people who felt overwhelmed in situations where a dose of apathy was the right answer. Not total apathy, but understanding where they should spend their time and emotional energy. A simple question I often pose is: “If I don’t care about this, what is the outcome? Who is accountable if this falls apart?” Many times throughout my career, I found that nobody was held accountable for a missed deliverable or a timeline slipping. These were times when embracing apathy was essential.
Balancing empathy and apathy is crucial in leadership. I use a framework that includes questions like:
- Is this something I can control or influence the outcome of?
- What happens if this fails or succeeds?
- Who will be impacted if this particular task isn’t completed?
Knowing what to focus on and throwing your all into it is a trademark of passionate and driven leaders. I always encourage people to ask themselves these questions when faced with a dilemma or if they are feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing when to employ empathy versus apathy can make all the difference in maintaining focus and strengthening your teams.