3 Steps for Addressing the
Uncertainty of Silence
Silence is the worst kind of feedback — it is ambiguous and generic. When you don't know why someone hasn't called you back or responded to your email, it is all too easy to assume the worst. Here are three steps to take if you're getting the silent treatment:
1.
Accept that you don't know. Acknowledge that you don't know what the silence really means. Resist the temptation to fill in the blanks with your own insecurities.
2.
Ask for clarity. Reach out to the person and ask him to tell you why he's not responding.
3.
Believe the answer. Whatever the response — he was too busy, he forgot — don't read between the lines. Accept it as truth and move on.
Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Handle Silence, the Worst Kind of Feedback" by Peter Bregman.
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