“We’re only going to tell the people who are affected by the decision to close a unit.”

Have you heard this before? Or perhaps a variation of it?

It’s one of the most short-sighted remarks a leader can make. In today’s world, where information travels at the speed of a swipe, comments like this belong in the Dark Ages of leadership.

Here’s why:

We live in an age of instant communication.
News spreads rapidly—not just within your organisation but far beyond it. A decision like closing a unit is never isolated. It impacts morale, trust, and even your company’s reputation.

Silence fuels speculation.
The moment people sense that something is being kept under wraps, the rumour mill kicks into overdrive. Information becomes distorted, leading to misunderstandings and confusion.

PR crises are born in the shadows.
Before you know it, you’re facing not just an internal fallout but an external reputation issue. Journalists, social media, competitors—everyone loves a mystery, especially one caused by poor communication.

What’s the alternative?
Thoughtful, transparent, and proactive communication. Engage with your employees openly. Address the issue head-on with honesty and empathy.

Great leaders understand that clarity builds trust. In difficult situations, it’s not the decision itself that causes the most damage—it’s how you handle it.

Let’s leave reactive, short-sighted leadership behind and embrace a new era of openness and responsibility.

What’s your take? How do you approach communication during challenging decisions? Share your thoughts below!