Houston, we have a problem! GHOSTING

STAT ALERT: Out of the nations’ 31.2 million working professionals, over 2.8 million have ghosted their employer ??

Don't get me started on this ??

This happens all too often, more and more these days to my business and many clients.

I recently wrote a blog on this topic but its a topic that needs to be addressed. Here's a condensed version of my thoughts and how to better handle the matter :-

'Since when is it OK to not show and let people down?

Please can someone help me to understand? ???♀?

Since when has it become OK or acceptable to not show up, to let people down, without notice or explanation, just waste people's time and then disappear from all contact -

Its just RUDE!

If someone can't show up for the job, it's probably a lucky escape for said company as they likely don't show up in the job, it's generally an attitude towards life in general, a mindset, a standard of acceptable in their world.

What happens when you commit and don't show up (why it's a bad idea) :-

- People talk and everyone knows everyone (business tend to have large networks of alliances, industry related contacts and competitors, so their not likely to hesitate if someone in the industry brings up your name)

- Shuts Down Networking Opportunities, Managers, recruiters, and human resources professionals talk. They network at conferences, meetings, and other events. They will name drop or ask about potential employees. And, if your name and the phrase, “he ghosted us” comes up in a conversation, there is a good chance you might not move forward in the hiring process.

- You could lose out on the perfect opportunity / progression

- Adds Stress to Your Co-workers and Employer, your team likely relies on you showing up. Ghosting can increase safety issues in some circumstances and skyrocket the stress levels of everyone there.

- You think it’s a big enough market to burn bridges huh?

- Are you treating others as you would like to be treated

- Your wasting time (for many people, yours and theirs) and money (costs of recruiting, onboarding, training etc)

- Your damaging your name in the market and gaining a reputation (of the wrong kind)

Success is SHOWING UP

You can decide to 'show up' ?

or be an unreliable, untrustworthy let down ?

(appropriate images below) ??

Your choice!

Whilst I understand companies over the years have created this culture themselves and the tables appear to be turning.

There ARE NO EXCUSES ?

2 wrongs don't make a right!

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN BEHAVIOURS / OUTCOMES / RESULTS

Instead of Ghosting - You can Try This Instead :

While ghosting isn’t a good practice, accepting a new job or staying in a current position that isn’t a good fit isn’t a good idea either. You have to learn a few good strategies for speaking up for yourself and letting employers know what you’re thinking and what you need.

- Communicate your needs - One of the most powerful benefits of better communication in the workplace is more engagement. By communicating your concerns from the outcome there could possibly have been a simple solution.

- Learn how to say ”no” gracefully. You can tell a future employer that you don’t think the job is for you in a courteous manner that doesn’t burn bridges.

- If you are unhappy with your current job and are ready to walk way - give the minimum amount of notice needed. If you don’t think you can handle another week or so on the job, talk to your manager to see if there is a possibility of being able to step out sooner.

- If you’re having an issue on the job, talk to your supervisor. If there is a situation that makes talking to your manager tense, request that you have another member of management or human resources present for any discussions.

- If you do ghost and then feel bad about it, reach out by sending an email and explaining the situation. It probably won’t build any bridges with that employer, but it does show that you are thinking about your reputation for the future.

Have you ever ghosted an employer, recruiter or interview? Have you ever left a job without notice? Or, been ghosted by an employee?

Share your thoughts about the subject below.