Ghosting in the business world: silence is not an option

There is one thing that still surprises me in the business world: ghosting. The fact that someone simply disappears – without responding, without explanation, without any form of communication. Whether it’s a candidate, a client, or a business partner, the phenomenon of ghosting is unfortunately present in the professional world, and it cannot be ignored.

What exactly does "ghosting" mean in the business world?

In a business context, ghosting happens when someone suddenly cuts off communication without any notice. No further contact, updates, or closure. It can be a candidate who stops responding to emails, a client who goes silent after receiving a proposal, or a partner who disappears in the middle of a project. While it might seem like the easiest solution at the moment, the consequences can be far from good.

Silence leaves its mark

I’m not sure we truly understand the impact silence has in the business world. When someone chooses silence – whether it's a potential candidate, a client, or a business partner – it’s not just frustrating; it’s unproductive. The lack of a simple explanation or response not only leaves a sense of uncertainty but also creates doubt. Communication is a fundamental part of professionalism. And no, I’m not just referring to replying to emails or answering the phone when it’s convenient. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions – or lack thereof. When things change, when expectations shift, or when we can't move forward – we need to say something. Even short messages about what's happening can make a difference. They don’t need to be long or overly formal – they simply show respect for the time and effort of the other person.

It's always better to reply than to stay silent.

Whether you tell a candidate they weren’t selected, or inform a partner that a project is being paused, a response – no matter how brief – keeps the professional relationship intact. There’s no need to provide a lengthy explanation; a simple, direct message is enough. But don’t leave people waiting, because in silence, wrong conclusions are made.

When we stay silent, it's not just about withholding information – we’re building walls. Every time we don’t respond or provide feedback, we create distance. In business, this distance means lost opportunities, fractured relationships, and false expectations. Communication is what keeps us grounded. It enables us to course-correct, align with others, and build mutual respect.

Ghosting is a missed opportunity, not just a communication mistake

Every moment we avoid a difficult conversation is a moment we could have used to strengthen a relationship, clarify expectations, or make progress. Silence doesn’t solve the problem; it prolongs it, often in ways we don’t even understand. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to communicate clearly and promptly is what sets us apart from the rest. That’s why I embrace it. Being honest doesn’t mean being harsh. It means showing respect for the other person and preparing to face the difficult conversations that come with business life.

So, the next time you feel tempted to avoid responding, ask yourself: What’s the greater risk? A brief response now, or leaving an impression of uncertainty and disrespect?

#attitude #communicationmatters #respectinbusiness #recruiting #ghosting #businessrelationship