Can we talk about “ghosting” in business? We’re all guilty sometimes, right? This poor communication habit damages relationships, erodes trust and directly impacts revenue—making ghosting a critical business liability.
Here are three all-too-common scenarios:
Sound familiar? While these examples might sound reminiscent of misadventures in dating, ghosting has quietly become a part of corporate culture—and the habit is costing you more than you realize.
Ghosting goes beyond simply ignoring a single email or text. It's the practice of cutting off all communication without explanation, leaving others in limbo. While sometimes unintentional—born from procrastination, overwhelm or disorganization—it’s becoming normalized at all levels of business, right up to the C-suite.
This is problematic because it erodes the very foundation of business relationships. When ghosting is the norm, it doesn't just harm immediate communications—it can devastate your reputation, brand and bottom line. Those ghosted vendors? They talk to other vendors. That candidate you dropped without explanation? They share their experience on Glassdoor. That person that referred you business? They'll not only never refer you again—they'll actively warn others about your unprofessionalism. Business relationships are interconnected, and ghosting creates ripples that can turn into waves of lost opportunities.
You may be ghosting someone to avoid an uncomfortable moment, but in doing so, you create a huge waste of time. The person waiting for your response remains in limbo, unable to move forward with decisions or explore alternatives. They waste valuable hours following up, networking to find mutual connections and checking communication channels, when they could have already pursued other opportunities.
The solution is non-negotiable: give a clear "yes," "no," or "I'll follow up later," (with estimated timeframe that you can honor). Even a brief response creates clarity and allows everyone to move forward productively.
Trust isn't just a “nice-to-have" in business—it's the currency that drives relationships and growth. Ghosting someone essentially signals that their time and effort aren't worth your acknowledgment. Ouch! This damages not just the immediate relationship but your broader professional reputation—and your company’s too.
Ask yourself: Is avoiding a 30-second email worth destroying relationships that took time to build? What opportunities might you lose when word gets around that you're unreliable?
Face it: everyone is busy. But in an age where communication has never been easier or faster, "too busy" is rarely the real issue. Professional communication isn't about finding more time—it's about respecting the time others have invested in you.
Make responding your default action, even if brief. Keep a few templates handy for common situations:
Managing communication doesn't mean being available 24/7 either. Instead, master the art of clear expectations:
As a leader, your communication habits shape your organization's culture. Every response—or lack thereof—becomes your team's standard for professional conduct.
Ghosting isn't just unprofessional and inconsiderate—it can cost business. It harms your reputation and reduces people's interest in doing business with you and/or referring others to you. Next time you're tempted to ghost someone owed your reply, ask yourself: How would I feel if the roles were reversed?
The path to better relationships starts with a simple commitment: respond! Even when it's difficult, even when you're busy and even when the answer is no.