The Business of ‘Ghosting’

Now, more than ever, the lack of response in communication among businesses seems to be at a feverish level. When you call your dog and they ignore you, you may try and get their attention with positive rewards of treats. Can this work in the business profession?

Since the Pandemic, it has been our experience that professional courtesy relative to communication has really deteriorated. Now, we see it with consultants who are being paid on a job and just choosing to not respond to required questioning about their submissions. We see it from Primes who are responsible for payment to sub consultants. And, sadly, we see it from project owners who demand their project be completed on time but do not provide the same courtesy in return, particularly with communicating payment timeframes. It just seems to be the norm now, a discourteous trend that is infuriating.

Depending on any given project, you may find yourself as a Prime, a sub-consultant, or a project owner. Do you respond differently depending on which hat you are wearing? You really should not.

If someone is asking where their payment for services is, respond. If someone is inquiring where your submission is, respond. And, if someone is pleading with you to respond on any given topic, just respond. It is the courteous and respectful behavior expected of you as a business professional.

As we enter the fall season, complete with pumpkins and ghosts, leave them where they belong, as decorations on your front lawn. The business of ‘ghosting’ should not be part of your business or strategic plan. It should not be part of your normal operating procedures.

Be kind and respond, 24 hours is a respectable turnaround time for any response. Consider the far reaching ramifications of ‘ghosting’ a business colleague before you do it . This behavior could haunt you for years!

Be well.