A Response Is Also a Form of Respect

There is something that has been particularly striking to me lately in my professional relationships: silence.

I am not referring to those days when we are all extremely busy and a reply takes a little longer to arrive. I am referring to those situations when someone asks us for information. A conversation begins, a proposal is received… and then they disappear.

I notice it constantly on LinkedIn too, where many people talk about sending their CV, taking part in a recruitment process, attending interviews and simply never receiving a response.

Neither a yes.

Nor a no.

Just silence.

It also happens to me quite frequently with Edda Accademia di Stile. Someone gets in touch because they are interested in bespoke training, asks for a programme, details of the content, costs and, most often, a proposal specifically developed around their needs.

Behind all of this there is time, work and dedication. And then… nothing.

Of course, asking for information does not oblige anyone to confirm an assignment, just as a company is under no obligation to choose a particular candidate.

But I do wonder: when did saying “no” stop being a professional response?

A simple “Thank you for your proposal, but on this occasion, we have decided not to proceed” would be enough.

Sometimes, two lines are all it takes. Because at the other end of an email, let us remember, there is a person or a team, who has invested their time, work and professional expertise.

We cannot always say yes. But we can always reply.

That, too, is called Business Etiquette.

EDDA