When and How Did It Become Acceptable to Ghost People in Business?
Definition of Ghosting
Ghosting is a term originally used in personal relationships, referring to the sudden and unexplained cessation of communication by one party. It involves one person cutting off all contact without any warning or reason, leaving the other person confused and wondering what went wrong.
How Ghosting Applies in Business
In a business context, ghosting occurs when a colleague, client, or potential employer abruptly stops responding to emails, phone calls, or other forms of communication without any explanation. This behavior can happen at various stages of professional interactions, such as during job interviews, sales negotiations, or ongoing project collaborations. Ghosting in business not only disrupts communication but can also damage professional relationships, erode trust, and create unnecessary delays. It’s a growing issue in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven work environment, where people often find it easier to avoid difficult conversations by simply disappearing.
This trend raises the question: When did it become acceptable to simply ignore legitimate communications in business?
The Rise of Ghosting in Business
The rise of ghosting in business can be traced back to several factors, including the overwhelming volume of digital communication, the shift to remote work, and changing social norms. According to etiquette experts, ghosting in business is a reflection of our growing reliance on technology, which often reduces interpersonal connections to impersonal exchanges. This has led to a culture where it’s easier to avoid uncomfortable conversations or responsibilities by simply not responding (The Protocol School of Washington).
The Impact of Ghosting on Business Relationships
Ghosting can have a significant negative impact on business relationships. Ignoring communications sends a message that the other party’s time and effort are not valued, leading to frustration, confusion, and damaged trust. Trust and credibility are foundational to effective communication and collaboration, and when these are undermined, it can be challenging to maintain productive professional relationships (Business Crack).
For businesses, the consequences of ghosting can extend to customer relations as well. The trend of “customer ghosting,” where customers suddenly cut off all communication with a company, is increasingly prevalent and can severely impact a business’s reputation and customer base. A study highlighted that poor customer service experiences, such as difficulty reaching a human representative, can drive customers to disengage and seek alternatives, further exacerbating the problem (B2Bdaily.com).
Why Is Ghosting Happening More Frequently?
Several underlying reasons contribute to the increasing prevalence of ghosting in business:
- Digital Overload: The sheer volume of emails and messages can lead to selective engagement, where only the most urgent or beneficial communications are prioritized.
- Lack of Accountability: The shift to remote work and the impersonal nature of digital communication make it easier for individuals to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations.
- Changing Social Norms: There is a growing acceptance of ghosting as a norm in both personal and professional interactions, driven by the convenience of avoiding uncomfortable situations (The Protocol School of Washington) (B2Bdaily.com). The rise of automation tools and AI-driven communication has also made human interaction less frequent, and sometimes less valued.
- Power Dynamics: In some cases, ghosting may be a power play. By ignoring someone’s communication, an individual or organization may seek to assert dominance or control over the situation.
How to Follow Up When You’ve Been Ghosted
When you’ve been ghosted in a business setting and you need a response or action, it’s important to follow up in a way that is both professional and persistent without coming across as pushy. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Send a Polite Reminder: Start by sending a follow-up email after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Your tone should be courteous, acknowledging that the person may have been busy. For example, you could write, “I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [subject]. Please let me know if you need any further information or if there’s a better time to discuss this.”
- Change the Medium: If you’ve been communicating via email, consider following up with a phone call or a message on a different platform, like LinkedIn. Sometimes changing the medium can make your message more noticeable.
- Highlight the Importance: In your follow-up, emphasize why a response is necessary. You might say, “Your input is crucial for us to move forward with [project/decision]. Could we schedule a brief call to discuss?”
- Set a Deadline: If the matter is time-sensitive, kindly mention a deadline. For instance, “To ensure we stay on track, could you please respond by [specific date]?”
- Offer an Easy Out: Sometimes, the other party may be avoiding the response because they don’t have the answer or feel awkward. You can offer them a way out, such as, “If now isn’t the right time or if you need more time to consider, please let me know, and we can revisit this at a later date.”
- Escalate if Necessary: If you’ve tried multiple follow-ups without success, it may be necessary to escalate the issue. This could involve looping in another colleague or supervisor, depending on the context.
Addressing the Ghosting Epidemic in Your Business
So how can businesses address the issue of ghosting and promote better communication practices?
- Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Companies can implement policies that outline expected response times and emphasize the importance of acknowledging all legitimate communications, even if the response is brief. (Business Crack).
- Foster a Culture of Accountability: Encouraging a culture where employees and partners are held accountable for their communication can reduce instances of ghosting. This includes regular check-ins and follow-ups to ensure that all parties are engaged.
- Prioritize Human Interaction: While digital tools and automation can enhance efficiency, they should not replace human interaction entirely. Businesses should prioritize personal communication, especially in situations that require nuance and empathy.
- Training and Awareness: Offering training on digital etiquette and the importance of communication can help prevent ghosting. This training can also address how to handle situations where one feels overwhelmed by the volume of communication.
Conclusion
Ghosting in business is more than just a rude habit; it reflects broader shifts in our work culture and the challenges of managing digital communication in the modern world. If you’ve been ghosted, following up effectively requires a balance of persistence and professionalism. By being courteous and clear in your communication, you increase the likelihood of getting the response or action you need. By recognizing the impact of ghosting and taking steps to foster better communication, you can improve business relationships, build trust, and ultimately succeed in a more connected, respectful, professional environment.
Resources
The Protocol School of Washington
Written by Lisa J Meier with research support from ChatGPT