Respond to a Human, Not a Machine
Respond to a Human, Not a Machine In today’s fast-paced digital age, messages often arrive as lines of text on a screen. Yet behind every message is a person—someone reaching out, expecting acknowledgement. Treating communication as mere words risks eroding trust and respect, especially for those in positions of public responsibility. Politicians, ministers, community leaders and even religious leaders must remember that silence can be costly. Ignoring people is not just poor etiquette; it signals detachment. Public relations is not about polished statements alone—it is about genuine interaction. A simple, thoughtful response can strengthen credibility, while neglect can unravel influence and authority. I once helped a woman in an organisation who needed restaurant operators to rent her space. Drawing on my background as a food reviewer, I helped to broadcast her request for potential tenants. A couple of weeks ago, I saw her at breakfast but didn’t greet her, hardly because I did not ...