The Problem Is Apathy
Photo by Terra Roro on Unsplash
The problem is apathy.
When we’ve been burned long enough, when we’ve been ignored long enough, when we’ve been taken for granted, we might decide we don’t care. So, then, we ignore the issue or avoid it. We get on with other aspects of our lives, and deprioritize those things that have caused our problems.
This is an issue on two fronts.
For those who’ve caused the problem, their shortsighted “me-first” actions have lost them, not simply a supporter (employee, constituent, etc.), but potentially a vocal advocate of their cause (commercial or otherwise). This is never a good thing, and ultimately, the problem does come home to roost.
But for those who’ve lost interest, it’s also an issue. By conceding to apathy, they’re abdicating any and all influence over the course of things. As a result, events unfold and happen to them, not with them. This diminished influence means they have no say, so they become bystanders, watching a world unfold that is outside of their control. It’s someone else’s agenda. That’s never a good place to be.
On the first front, the answer is simple: pay attention to your tribe. Own the situation. Think long term. Focus on people. Build, don’t break. Collaborate, don’t divide. It feels cliched to say all of these things but, of course, there’s real truth there. Not always easy to implement, of course, but it’s actually much harder to not implement them - at least from a total impact, long term cost perspective. The sugar rush is never worth it.
And for those in the latter bucket, the answer is, simply the opposite of apathy - it’s to engage. To always engage. Apathy is definitely a choice, but then you’re in no position to complain about what happens to you. It’s far better to pick your battle, get in the ring and fight. Because you won’t get what you want as the bystander. You get a shot at it by being in the race.
These are real responsibilities, and not one we should shirk from, wherever we sit. It makes life more messy, for sure, but I don’t see apathy as the alternative. A phrase I’ve come to appreciate is that we own our outcomes, no matter the situation. We’d do well to always remember that.
