There is nothing peaceful about the sound of crickets if you are an employee

The definition of “hearing crickets” is: “It means it is so quiet you can hear the crickets. This phrase is often used after someone tells a joke or story to signify that that either no one got it or they just don't care”.

In today’s job market, it is not uncommon it seems, for professionals to hear crickets during the application process or even after an interview: I mean not hearing anything at all until it is obvious they did not get the job. Rude, but it seems more commonplace.

What should never happen though, is an employee of a company, asks a question or three, and all they hear are crickets. While those questions might not seem important to the person being asked, they might be very important to the "asker"; and not to mention that not answering shows a lack of caring and empathy, which leads to employee retention issues.

As a boss, you might not have the answer right away, especially if it is above your pay grade; but you should always take the time to acknowledge that you heard that employee and that you will get back to them as soon as possible. Make sure you do get back to them as well, because false promises add up in all kinds of negative currency.

Recognition of a question, especially a good one, recognition of a consistent job well done, and letting your employees know from time to time that they are appreciated, goes a long way for achieving employee buy in.

Simple tips from an MBA program or leadership certificate,

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam