Tame the Primitive Brain: 28 Ways in 28 Days to Manage the Most Impulsive Behaviors at Work

Day 12

Indifference

You’re Not Even on My Radar

Meh.

—Lisa Simpson

Today you’ll tame:

• Habitual apathy

Michael’s business partner approached him at the business networking event and asked exuberantly, “Hey, did you meet Aamaal over there? She is a perfect ally for our business.” He then launched into a full description of how well she would fit in.

Michael had, in fact, met her. He just hadn’t “clicked” with her. He did, however, fully understand the connection his partner had made with her—but only on an intellectual level. So before the meeting ended, he went over and spoke to Aamaal again. He spent an appropriate amount of time with her before asking for her business card and telling her, “I’ll call you.”

A day went by, then a week, and still he did not call Aamaal. Another week later, still no e-mail or call to follow up with her and cement their connection. Michael had no strong image when he pictured Aamaal in his mind; no strong feeling about her at all.

Yes, he knew she would make for a great strategic ally; yet he felt totally indifferent to her as a person. He was much more concerned about pursuing a couple of people from the meeting he seemed to get along with, even though they were less than ideal fits for the business. In fact, one was a competitor, but very friendly.

If only Michael were able to push past his primitive brain’s personal feeling of indifference toward a potentially great business ally, he might be able to grow his business instead of hanging out ...