Ghosting in the Corporate World

SILENCE

I was so excited. Our company successfully booked three leadership communication workshops—these are the foundation of what we do at Speak with People and have the power to drastically help leaders transform their communication skills. When leaders elevate their communication, they improve company culture, strengthen client relationships, and ultimately drive revenue and referrals.

I was beyond thrilled.

But then, radio silence.

The company that had sponsored these workshops suddenly wasn’t responding to my emails, texts, or calls. It wasn’t just the primary person that I normally dealt with; there were two other key players who were no longer responding. It was so weird to go from quick and friendly responses to slow and cold ones.

As we got close, I needed answers. I knew they were busy, but the dates were approaching fast, and I was trying to forecast our revenue and get everything together. Talk about stress! As the days ticked by, my excitement started to mix with frustration and anxiety. I was prepping, planning, and eagerly awaiting confirmation, but no one was getting back to me.

What do you do when that happens?

I’ll be honest, my first instinct was to assume the worst. I started thinking, They’re probably going to cancel. This isn’t going to work out.

On top of that, I’m an over-communicator by nature, so I was torn between wanting to follow up repeatedly and giving them space. I didn’t want to overwhelm them, but I also wanted to show them how seriously I took our partnership. The longer the silence, the more uncomfortable I felt. Have you ever been there? Eventually, I heard back—whew—but that experience left me wondering:

What should you do when someone ghosts you in the corporate world?

Ghosting, the act of disappearing without a word, isn’t just a dating phenomenon—it’s alive and well in professional settings too. Whether it’s a client, a coworker, or even your boss, ghosting can leave you feeling frustrated, uncertain, and sometimes even powerless.

As professionals, it’s crucial to approach the situation with clarity and strategy. So, what should you do when someone ghosts you in the workplace?

Let’s dive into the best communication approaches when someone goes silent.

TIPS TO ADDRESS GHOSTING

1. Don’t Assume the Worst

It’s easy to jump to conclusions when someone doesn’t respond—they’re not interested anymore, they’ve found someone else to do the job, or I’ve done something wrong. But assuming the worst only adds unnecessary stress to an already frustrating situation.

There could be a million reasons for the silence—busy schedules, personal issues, internal changes, or just good, old-fashioned email overload. In the corporate world, people juggle many competing priorities. So, take a step back, breathe, and remind yourself that silence doesn’t necessarily mean disaster.

When I was ghosted by the company sponsoring the workshops, I immediately thought they were going to cancel. But as it turned out, they were simply busy dealing with an internal restructuring that had nothing to do with me or the workshops. When we finally reconnected, everything moved forward as planned.

The key? Patience.

2. Give Them Space, but Follow Up Thoughtfully

When ghosted, our gut reaction might be to bombard the person with follow-up emails, texts, or calls. Resist that urge. Instead, find a balance between giving them space and following up thoughtfully.

For example, if someone hasn’t responded to your initial outreach, wait a few days before sending a gentle nudge. When you do, acknowledge that they’re likely busy and reinforce your commitment to working together. Your follow-up should be polite, respectful, and solution-focused—don’t make the person feel guilty for not responding.

Here’s an example of a thoughtful follow-up:

"Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well! I know how busy things can get, and I just wanted to touch base regarding our upcoming project/workshop. I’m really excited about the opportunity to collaborate and wanted to see if you had a chance to review the latest details I sent. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make the process easier. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

This approach is professional, understanding, and keeps the ball rolling without being too aggressive.

3. Document Everything

When someone ghosts you in the corporate world, it’s important to keep track of all your communications. Create a timeline of when you first reached out, any follow-ups, and what responses (if any) you’ve received. This documentation can be crucial if the issue escalates or you need to involve others (like HR or another department head) to get things moving.

By keeping detailed records, you maintain a clear picture of the situation and avoid any “he said, she said” confusion down the road. Additionally, if you need to escalate the matter, having documented evidence shows that you’ve made consistent, professional efforts to communicate.

4. If You Work in the Same Building, Have a Face-to-Face Conversation

Sometimes, the most effective way to resolve communication breakdowns is to have an in-person conversation. Emails and texts can easily get lost in the shuffle, but it’s harder to ignore a face-to-face interaction.

If you work in the same office or building as the person who’s ghosting you, stop by their desk or office for a quick, friendly check-in. The key is to approach the conversation with a positive attitude, not frustration or accusation.

For example, you could say something like:

"Hey [Name], I just wanted to catch up on our project and see if there’s anything you need from me. I know you’ve probably been busy, so I figured I’d stop by to touch base in person."

This type of interaction demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and respect for their time while ensuring you get the answers you need.

5. Be Empathetic and Understanding

Ghosting is frustrating, but it’s important to remember that the person on the other end might be dealing with something difficult—whether it’s personal issues, work overload, or organizational challenges. Empathy goes a long way in maintaining positive professional relationships. Instead of assuming the worst, try to understand their perspective and be flexible if they need more time to respond.

For example, if a coworker has gone silent on a project, reach out with empathy:

"I noticed I hadn’t heard back from you regarding the project, and I just wanted to check in. I know things can get hectic, so let me know if you need more time or support."

This type of communication shows that you care about them as a person, not just about the project or deadline.

6. Escalate the Situation if Necessary

If someone continues to ghost you despite multiple attempts to reach them, and the issue is affecting your work or the company’s goals, it may be time to escalate the situation. This could involve speaking with their manager, HR, or another team member who might be able to help.

However, it’s important to approach this step carefully. Escalating too soon or without tact can damage relationships, so make sure you’ve exhausted other options first. When you do escalate, be factual and professional. Present your documentation and explain the impact the silence is having on your work.

For example, you might say to your boss:

"I’ve reached out to [Name] several times regarding the project, but I haven’t received a response. I’m concerned about meeting our deadlines, and I wanted to bring this to your attention to see how we can move forward."

7. Always Take the High Road

No matter how frustrated you might feel, it’s important to always take the high road in your communications. Avoid being passive-aggressive or accusatory. Stay professional, patient, and empathetic in every interaction. This not only helps maintain your reputation but also strengthens your leadership presence.

Remember, how you handle tough communication situations like ghosting says a lot about your character and leadership. By staying calm, focused, and solution-oriented, you’ll build stronger relationships and show others that you’re someone who can navigate challenges with grace and professionalism.

Ghosting in the corporate world can be a frustrating experience, but how you respond is crucial. By staying patient, documenting your communications, and following up thoughtfully, you can navigate these situations with professionalism and integrity. Don’t assume the worst, and always approach each interaction with empathy and understanding. Ghosting may be common, but your ability to communicate effectively in these moments will set you apart as a leader.

Remember, communication is key to every successful partnership and team, and how you handle the quiet moments can make all the difference.

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People

Jason Raitz is on a mission to help leaders speak with people, not at them. He is a captivating keynote speaker, a catalyst for laughter, personal growth, and a guide to profound communication transformation.