The Lost Art of Showing Up

One of the simplest ways to get ahead of our competition has nothing to do with AI, technology, budgets, or complicated strategies. It comes down to something much more basic: doing what we say we are going to do. Unfortunately, that has become surprisingly rare. We make mistakes; that's not what I'm referring to in this scenario.

Ghosting has become far too common in business and everyday life. Someone says they will call you back, send information, provide a quote, or follow up on a conversation, and then they disappear. We all get busy. Busy can be a wall we hide behind.

Crickets Rule 

But there is a big difference between being delayed and simply ignoring someone. A quick email or phone call saying, "I'm running behind and will get back to you by the end of the week," takes seconds. And if the answer is no then politely decline.

That small act of communication shows respect and keeps the relationship intact. Trust is built when we return the call; when we show up prepared and on time; when we follow through on a commitment. I can hear my mom saying all that now. I'd call in sick for my part-time job at the car wash and she was none too impressed. 

Interactions Count

Every missed call, unanswered email, or broken promise creates doubt. The chef doesn't stand in the kitchen waiting for your decision; she moves on to the next order because she can't prepare you a plate of maybe for dinner.

Every follow-through builds confidence. We all fall down. We all mess up. That's not this which is making the decision to ignore someone because telling them no might seem harder. A quick no is often better received than a long maybe or worse, being ghosted. 

In a world of ghosts, let's show up. ____________________________________________________________

Respect

Respect is often framed as politeness or being nice; when in reality it's one of the hardest disciplines in business — and one of the most effective. Respect shows up before a deal is signed or a problem appears. It’s how we listen when someone disagrees. How we talk about people who aren’t in the room. And how we behave when pressure is high and patience is low. 

In my work with business owners and managers, one pattern is consistent: organizations that struggle to grow often struggle with respect. Not from bad intentions, but from underestimating its impact. Authority gets confused with credibility. Speed gets mistaken for effectiveness. Respect is assumed instead of earned. 

It Doesn't Just Happen 

Respect is built in small, repeatable moments – being prepared, showing up on time, answering clearly, giving credit, owning mistakes. These actions don’t draw attention, but they quietly shape culture. Respect must also flow both ways. 

Leaders who demand it without giving it create compliance, not commitment. Teams that feel respected think harder, solve problems sooner, and care more about outcomes. It also means being honest. Not blunt for ego’s sake, but clear to prevent confusion. 

Beat Them with Kindness

Ghosting may be the new “no” and a way to avoid difficult conversations. And most of us do it – intentionally or unintentionally . Avoiding tough conversations may feel right in the moment, but it usually creates bigger problems later.  In business, respect becomes a competitive advantage. 

Customers notice it. Partners remember it. Employees protect it. It turns transactions into long-term relationships and reduces friction before it becomes conflict. We don’t earn respect by demanding it. We earn it by practicing it – especially when it’s inconvenient. And once it’s part of how we operate, everything else gets easier to build. 

 I say with respect, of course. ____________________________________________________________

Ghost and the Machine

You’ve probably noticed it. It’s likely been happening since the dawn of time, but it feels like it’s ramped up in recent years. Many of us hoped the world would become kinder and gentler after Covid -  but in many ways, the opposite has happened.

Everyone’s “busy.” Everyone has too many priorities, too many choices. It’s become a comfortable excuse when we simply don’t want to do something.

My mom had a vivid phrase for when we went back on our word, she’d threaten to tan our hides. If you said you’d take the job and show up on time, you did exactly that.  

If you or anyone you know works in fast service, you’ve probably heard the stories - people not showing up for shifts. When I was a kid, that was unthinkable. You did what you said you were going to do.

Sorry, I’m Busy

Now to the big one: ghosting. You start a promising conversation with a potential client, things seem to go well - and then they vanish. No replies, no calls, no explanation. No one is that busy after the third or fourth follow-up. Maybe they hope you’ll give up - and often, that’s exactly what happens. But here’s the thing: it’s not about being busy; it’s about being respectful.

Difficult conversations are difficult. But if you’re too afraid to say no, don’t say yes or maybe in the first place. The old saying holds true - a fast no is far better than a slow maybe… and miles ahead of an unprofessional ghosting.

Leave a message after the beep. 

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