GoKawiilOpinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Key Takeaways Avoidance might protect short-term performance, but it quietly erodes trust, engagement and long-term results.
Empathy isn’t a soft skill — it’s a strategic advantage that builds stronger, more resilient teams.
As I write this article, here is the reality: according to a recent Conference Board survey, the share of consumers who viewed jobs as “hard to get” increased to a five-year high in February 2026, though households also believed the availability of jobs had improved. Labor market data shows that the median duration of unemployment is near four-year highs, and jobs remain scarce for young college graduates. Unemployed recent college graduates do not show up in the claims data because they have limited or no work history, making them ineligible to file for jobless benefits.
What this means is that for family members, neighbors, colleagues and strangers alike, two things are true: most people are cautiously optimistic about their future employment prospects, and, except the rare 1%, most Americans have to work, and, in most households, need two sources of income.
In these times, I believe that many leaders are facing an existential question: Do I embrace escapism or an empathetic leadership style?
Escapist leaders
Escapism psychology refers to “the mental diversion from unpleasant or boring aspects of daily life. It’s like a mental escape hatch, allowing us to temporarily step away from our problems, responsibilities, or the harsh realities of the world around us.” In leadership, I believe this shows itself in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:
Saying often and proudly mantras such as: “Let’s conduct business as usual…”
One of the boldest (and also most toxic) expressions I have personally heard is, “Don’t forget to check your emotions at the door.”
... continue reading