Is there a right reason to be compassionless? I think the answer to this is mostly no, but sometimes yes. In talking with a relative recently, we shared stories about how, at times, our parents were somewhat compassionless. Mainly our stories had to do with trivial bumps, bruises, and personal affronts--times when we would complain and our parents would essentially tell us to count our blessings and get out and help someone else. These somewhat compassionless responses helped to make us resilient, less self focused, and able to prioritize what really mattered in life. Yet, these somewhat cold responses also didn't allow us to build a strong foundation of compassion and empathy. What's a small matter to one may be a big matter to another, and to quickly dismiss someone's pain or hurt is to discount who they are and to demonstrate a lack of compassion and empathy.
We never want to promote the kind of self-preoccupation that supports a cocoon-like existence devoid of care or concern for others, but we also don't want to support a lifestyle where people show little self care or concern. There's a balance.
When we experience compassionless people and situations, we need to work to bring compassion and understanding to the issue. By practicing compassion and empathy for self and others, we model that behavior and that behavior will grow in positive ways. We need to act as we hope others will act. That will build stronger, better teams and communities.