Ghosting, Not Just for Bad Dates

Introduction

Ah, the advertising industry—a realm where creativity knows no bounds, except, of course, when it does. You see, in this glittering world of ideas and innovation, there's an unspoken villain lurking in the shadows: ageism. But before you roll your eyes and mutter, "Not another 'ism,'" let me assure you, this one's got a twist. It's not just about sidelining the old for the new; it's about how the younger generation's approach to professionalism—or lack thereof—is causing a seismic shift in the creative landscape.

The Ghosting Phenomenon

"Ghosting," a term once reserved for the dating scene, has found its way into the professional world. For the uninitiated, ghosting is the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without explanation. In the context of advertising, it's the younger professionals ghosting their older counterparts, avoiding difficult conversations, and essentially, taking the easy way out.

The Millennial and Gen Z Work Ethic: A Double-Edged Sword

The younger generation is often lauded for their "do whatever it takes" attitude. Work late? Sure. Work weekends? Why not. Meet that impossible deadline? Absolutely. It's an admirable trait, but it comes with a caveat. This generation is also more likely to avoid confrontation and difficult conversations, opting instead to "ghost" their way out of uncomfortable situations.

The Damage to Creativity

The Loss of Mentorship

When younger professionals ghost their older colleagues, they miss out on valuable mentorship opportunities. The seasoned veterans in advertising have a wealth of experience that can't be Googled. They've been through the trenches and have invaluable insights that could elevate a campaign from good to great.

The Echo Chamber Effect

When you only engage with people who think like you, you end up in an echo chamber. The result? A lack of diverse ideas and perspectives, which is the death knell for creativity.

Emotional Intelligence: The Forgotten Skill

In the rush to meet deadlines and "get things done," the younger generation often overlooks the importance of emotional intelligence. Understanding team dynamics, navigating office politics, and yes, having difficult conversations are skills that are honed over time. Ghosting is a shortcut that ultimately shortchanges the creative process.

The Professional's Creed: Feelings Need Not Apply

"I'm a professional; my feelings don't get hurt." Ah, the mantra of seasoned professionals everywhere. It's not about liking every task or enjoying every project. It's about commitment, responsibility, and the understanding that professionalism transcends personal feelings.

The Way Forward: A Call to Action

Open Dialogue

Let's start talking, people. And I mean actually talking, not just sending emojis or GIFs on Slack. Open dialogue fosters understanding and breaks down the barriers that ageism erects.

Reverse Mentorship

Let's flip the script. Young professionals can mentor older colleagues in areas like technology and social media, while the older generation can offer insights into strategy and client management.

Emotional Intelligence Training

Yes, it's a thing, and yes, we need it. Emotional intelligence is as crucial as any technical skill, and it's high time we started treating it as such.

Conclusion

Ageism in advertising is more than just a numbers game; it's a creativity killer. And while the younger generation's work ethic is commendable, their tendency to "ghost" is damaging the industry in ways that are both subtle and profound. So let's lift the veil on this silent specter and tackle it head-on. After all, in the world of advertising, there's no room for ghosts—only brilliant, shining stars.

So there you have it—a ghost-free zone where ageism doesn't stand a chance. Because in the end, creativity knows no age, only endless possibilities.

Openly Gray, Dyslexic Art & Creative Director https://edgalm.com Available for Freelance, Contract, or Full-time Remote Gig.