The Participation Blog

In Case You’re Running Low on Things to Worry About

Charles Blow, the journalist, once said, “One doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient. In fact, a man convinced of his virtue even in the midst of his vice is the worst kind of man.” Chuck’s right, and there is evidence to suggest that we’re running out of ethical, quality leaders. In fact, the evidence is coming from organizations that are self-reporting as much. At least one researcher believes the decline is due to deteriorating trust in senior managers and leaders. Employee burnout is real; the effects of the pandemic, remote working, adjusted priorities and figuring out how to survive the new reality of what it means to be employed has changed a lot of us. So, take this with a grain of salt for whatever it suggests, but it is clear that (re)building trust in each other and institutions is critical to our missions. That won’t be easy or happen fast, but it is a solvable problem.