If you’ve heard the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” you might apply it to being away from your loved ones and teammates as your longing for them increases while you’re away. However, there are situations where this phrase does not always apply.
When you’re absent, physically, mentally, or emotionally from teammates at work, it can work in your favor. When you are a great contributor, your team will realize the full impact of all you do, and your absence is felt. When you’re a poor performer, they may realize little to no difference and the absence of your presence is negligible.
When you abstain from or withhold feedback, your lack of communication and absence in contributing to your teammate may perpetuate behaviors you don’t want. You’re cosigning the deal and training them to continue with the behavior you don’t want. Absence of feedback, though it can be uncomfortable to deliver, will almost always give you more of what you don’t want.
Losing a relationship is a steep price to pay for lack of communication, but for some, it’s an easier way to justify the results and not have to do the work.
The reward? You’ll create the same situation repeatedly until you’re ready to do the work.