Things I’ve Heard From Leaders - 4
“I feel like I’m the only person on my team who cares.”
👂Things I’ve Heard From Leaders - Part 4
For a while there, caring about issues relating to human rights, the environment, health, accessibility, etc. seemed important to most people, or had at least been prioritized by government officials and executives and therefore deemed worthy of resources. Now, these issues have not only been de-prioritized but they are being actively discouraged. In 2025, if your company or organization still has any dedicated staff working on diversity, equity, and inclusion, for example, you would most likely be considered lucky. Furthermore, if you work somewhere where your team as a whole still cares about these issues, you probably feel extremely lucky.
So what if it feels like you’re the only one, or one of the few, on your team who still cares?
Chances are, you’re not the only one. Chances are, there are others who still care, too. People may be more afraid to speak openly about these topics now so it can feel isolating to hold opinions or views that are no longer “popular”.
With these issues having been de-prioritized across the board, even people who “care” may not be able to dedicate the same time or energy they once were, when they received support and validation to do so.
So what if you truly are the only person on your team who cares? First of all, that’s a lonely place to be and there are others experiencing this, too, in their workplaces. I would invite you to reflect on these questions:
Are there other departments where you work where you might be able to find like-minded colleagues?
Are you receiving support, either through work or otherwise?
Are you in groups or communities outside of work that support and encourage you?
What would it look like to continue your purpose-driven work on your own? How can you make it sustainable?
If this is you, feel free to send me a message - I’m happy to put together a group of purpose-driven and socially responsible individuals to support one another.