In the spirit of October, let’s talk about a workplace trend that’s a little too spooky: ghosting. It happens when someone simply stops responding — to an inquiry, proposal, or follow-up — and it leaves the other side in the dark. While it’s rarely intentional, silence can create frustration and erode trust in professional relationships. The good news? A few mindful communication habits can keep your connections strong — and your reputation glowing.

Start with Clarity

Let others know when they can expect a reply — and feel comfortable asking the same. A quick “I’ll get back to you by Friday” helps manage workloads and avoids unnecessary follow-ups. If a full answer will take longer, say so; clarity builds trust.

Respond, Even Briefly

A short acknowledgment — “Got your message, working on it and will circle back soon” — shows accountability without demanding much time. Even small responses demonstrate reliability and help others plan accordingly.

Be Honest, Even When It’s a “No”

Most ghosting happens because people want to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. But saying “thank you, we’ve decided to move in another direction” is kinder than silence. It offers closure, preserves goodwill, and leaves the door open for future opportunities. After all, business needs evolve — and today’s “no” could be tomorrow’s “yes.“

Offer Understanding — to Others and Yourself

Before deciding that someone has ghosted you, pause. We can never fully know what’s happening on another person’s plate — unexpected travel, staff shortages, or personal challenges can easily delay a reply. Keeping that in mind helps us approach others with a little more patience — and sometimes creates the space needed for reconnection.

Master Tip:
Accountability and empathy are powerful partners. Together, they strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and keep communication alive — even when answers are delayed. By showing up with honesty and understanding, we make our professional circles a little less haunted and a lot more human.