No communication without feedback - and no connection
Communication is the basis of human relationships. Whether it is a friendship, a business relationship, a family relationship or a working relationship, each is an invisible bridge between two people. But this bridge is only stable if there is traffic in both directions. If one party simply does not respond, the bridge will slowly but surely collapse.
The message to nowhere
It's familiar to many of us: we send an email, a message, an offer - and nothing from the other side. You don't expect a seven-page, immediate reply, but just a short note: "Thanks, I got it, I'll get back to you." A simple sentence like this shouldn't take more than 3 seconds, yet it means an incredible amount to the person who put the effort into writing the message or letter.
A "thank you", an "ok", a 👍 - any small reaction shows that the message is getting through. But complete silence says: "What you said is not important." "You are not important to me."
The work that remains invisible
Probably the most frustrating example is when someone works for hours on a quote, for example, paying attention to every detail, then sends it... and there is no response. Not a "thanks, but it's not current", not a "too expensive", not a "I changed my mind" - but nothing. Zero. Zero. It's not just rude, it's disrespectful of the other person's time and expertise.
The promise that hangs in the air
Some people are enthusiastic: "I'll write tomorrow!", "I'll get back to you later this week!", "I'll send you as soon as I get home!" "I'll come on Friday", "I'll call you this week" - and then we never hear from him again. This is not only annoying, it's a confidence builder. If you know someone is forgetful, use a calendar, notepad, phone reminder - technology has given you everything you need to not appear unreliable. Or, if you forget, something has come up, the minimum is to apologise and let the other person know that hello, we're still alive, sorry, but this or that came up or simply sorry, I forgot. Anything is better than silence!
The "begged" answer
It's almost more embarrassing when an important question goes unanswered for days and you have to keep asking, "Excuse me, could you take a look?", "Do you remember how I wrote?" This situation takes up unnecessary energy and makes you feel as if the other person is doing you a favour by responding at all.
The "answer only the last one" tactic
It is no less annoying when, for example, someone asks three questions in an email and only the last one is answered. And the others? Who will? It's like they never existed. This leads to more rounds, more letters and more time wasted. And time is the most precious and important thing for everyone. Especially when a workflow is at stake.
Lack of interpretation
When we explain everything thoroughly, perhaps even ask a question or questions about the subject, but the other party's response immediately reveals that he or she has not understood the content of the letter and answers in a completely different way to what we are asking. It is as if he had not written to us and we are left wondering what this has to do with us. And then we go round and round again. If this happens to us, don't be ashamed to ask back if you don't understand what the other person wants.
Why do we need feedback?
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- It shows respect - acknowledging the other person's time and effort.
- It builds trust - regular, accurate communication builds credibility.
- Increase efficiency - avoid unnecessary rounds with quick and complete responses.
- It builds relationships - listening brings people closer.
Conclusion: silence is a message
In communication, silence means something - just rarely what we want it to mean. A short response is not a luxury, it is basic intelligence. And if you think about it: often 3 seconds and two words are enough to make the other party feel valued, heard and respected.
The next time you get a message you can't immediately process, remember that a little "received, in touch" might just make someone's day better. And that's the gesture that pays off in every relationship, because EVERYONE LIVES AS MUCH AS THEY WORD!
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