Can We Get a Little ‘Somepathy’?
"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." – Eleanor Roosevelt
The Sound of Crickets
Agonizing over the wording of the email. This idea has been on my mind for a while now. I’ve put myself out there, asking my boss to review something that’s definitely outside the box. I’ve done the research, validated it with others.
Final edit—done. My finger hovers over the keyboard, feels like forever. Deep breath. Hit send.
The rest of the day, my heart races every time I hear that email chime. But it’s not him.
Crickets.
The next day… same thing.
And the next…
Ever been there?
Finally, in our next call: “Oh yeah, thanks for sending that. I’ll give it some thought.”
Really? That’s it? No feedback, no acknowledgment. Nothing.
How About a Little Somepathy?
As team members, we don’t need over-the-top praise, but maybe a little empathy, some acknowledgment?
There’s empathy. There’s sympathy. But can we talk about 'somepathy' for a second?
You don’t have to feel what I’m feeling or feel bad for me—just don’t ignore me.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple, "Hey, I see you." It’s not about a parade—it’s about showing that what we do matters.
So yeah, 'somepathy'—let’s make that a thing. Because it makes all the difference.
For Managers: How to Practice ‘Somepathy’
Respond quickly: Even if it’s a quick acknowledgment, don’t leave people hanging. It’s better to say, “Got it, I’ll get back to you” than crickets.
Be specific: A simple "Good job" doesn’t cut it. Share one or two thoughtful comments on what stood out.
Create a feedback loop: Make time for feedback sessions—even casual ones. Build this into your routine, so it’s not an afterthought.
For Team Members: How to Shake the ‘Somepathy’ Loose
Ask for feedback: Don’t wait forever. Follow up, politely ask for feedback, and clarify that you’d appreciate their thoughts.
Keep communicating: Don’t let radio silence get in your head. Keep engaging and sharing your ideas.
Manage expectations: Sometimes leaders get caught up. Don’t let that crush your spirit—acknowledge your own effort and keep pushing forward.
Closing Thoughts:
"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." – William James
Leaders, let’s start practicing ‘somepathy’. And team members, don’t let silence keep you from showing up. We’re in this together.
