“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou
Ghosting, the act of cutting off communication with someone without explanation, is a term we often associate with the dating scene. But lately, I've noticed its creeping presence in the business world, and it's alarming. Unlike the spammy emails flooding our inboxes, I'm referring to the silence after a connection has been made.
In her article "Why Ghosting Destroys Corporate Etiquette," Beate Chelette rightly points out how communication is the backbone of efficiency and trust in business. Ghosting dismantles this trust and sets a precedent for future interactions. It's not just about abruptly ending one relationship; it's about tarnishing the potential of future ones.
Talking to friends and colleagues, I've found that the reasons behind ghosting in business are varied. Some chalk it up to being too busy, while others admit they no longer require the person's services. Then, some forget to respond. If you're nodding along, recognizing this behavior, you're not alone. We've all been ghosted at some point, and while some shrug it off, others find it hard not to take it personally. It's a feeling of being left in the dark, of not knowing where you stand, and it can be unsettling.
Yet, as I've emphasized before, “We, as humans, are a sum of our relationships. None of us can predict the future; one never knows when we will need to go back across the "bridge." Yes, doing the right thing and treating people with respect should be the mission regardless, but preserving relationships will have an overwhelming benefit in the long run of life.”
It's about integrity and treating others with the respect we'd want for ourselves. Besides, business has a curious way of coming full circle. Clients become customers, and former bosses may knock on your door seeking opportunities. I'm not suggesting seeking revenge on those who've ghosted you. Instead, it's about nurturing relationships, reflecting one's character.
So why do people ghost when it's easier than ever to communicate with the aid of technology? It may be because confrontation is seen as an inconvenience even in its mildest form. But avoiding discomfort shouldn't come at the expense of common courtesy. Offer closure if you need more time to respond, buy, or meet. A simple acknowledgment like, "Thank you for reaching out, John. While we're not ready to commit at the moment, let's revisit this in six months" goes a long way. It's a matter of basic respect.
Ghosting in business is about more than just a missed email or an ignored message. It's about eroding trust, damaging potential relationships, and reflecting poorly on one's character. We must recognize the impact of our actions and strive to uphold integrity in our professional interactions. After all, business success is built on a foundation of trust and respect. So, let's commit to ending the cycle of ghosting and fostering genuine connections that propel us forward.
Additional reading/articles:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ghosting-business-why-its-unprofessional-what-you-can-accialini/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-did-ghosting-become-acceptable-business-sarah-davis-/
https://www.kochiesbusinessbuilders.com.au/youve-been-ghosted-the-rise-of-business-ghosting/
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