Who said Halloween was over? The scourge of Ghosting in recruiting on both candidate and client side. Some thoughts by our own Joe Recchia
Ghosting in Business- It's Growing and Wrong In the modern landscape of business, effective communication stands as the cornerstone of success. Whether it's nurturing client relationships, coordinating team efforts, or fostering collaborations, the ability to communicate clearly and consistently is paramount. Yet, a concerning trend has emerged that disrupts this fundamental aspect: ghosting in business. Drawing parallels from the dating world, ghosting refers to the abrupt cessation of communication without explanation or warning. Within a business context, this phenomenon manifests in various ways, such as potential clients disappearing after expressing interest or colleagues vanishing mid-project or a job candidate not getting told they did not get the job or not getting back to their recruiter. The repercussions of ghosting in business can be profound. It not only derails workflows and productivity but also tarnishes professional relationships and reputations. Moreover, ghosting carries financial implications. Consider the resources allocated towards pursuing a customer or collaborating on a project that falls through due to ghosting or spending time interviewing candidates or going through an interview process to never be responded to. These wasted resources could have been utilized elsewhere to yield tangible returns for the business and or your personal time. Understanding the underlying causes of ghosting is essential. It may stem from a lack of professionalism or courtesy, where individuals opt to vanish rather than communicate openly about their intentions. Alternatively, it could result from discomfort or conflict avoidance, as individuals may shy away from delivering unpleasant news or feedback. It is my belief that most of the ghosting can be attributed to just the lack of common courtesy. Perhaps people should treat people the way they expect to be treated and it would not happen. Furthermore, the ease of disconnecting in today's digital age exacerbates the problem. With the click of a button, one can sever communication ties, making it tempting to avoid difficult conversations altogether. Nevertheless, regardless of the reasons, ghosting remains detrimental to all parties involved. It erodes trust, damages reputations, and undermines the foundation of professional relationships. Instead of resorting to ghosting, businesses must prioritize transparent and open communication, even in challenging circumstances. Organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of ghosting. This includes establishing clear communication protocols, fostering a culture of transparency, and providing avenues for constructive feedback and conflict resolution. Have you been ghosted? Give me your thoughts.......