Silence from leadership during change always leaves a mark. It doesn’t look dramatic at first, just quieter meetings, slower updates, and side conversations that start to fill the gaps. When people don’t hear enough, they try to make sense of things on their own. The stories they tell themselves often spread faster than the facts.
Change already asks people to adjust and stay flexible. When information goes missing, that energy turns into worry. The focus shifts from doing the work to wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. It’s human nature trying to find direction.
Leaders often hold back because they want to be certain before they speak. But waiting too long actually builds the uncertainty they’re trying to avoid. Even a simple update, one that says what’s known, what’s still being worked out, and when more will come, helps people stay grounded. It shows that someone is still steering the ship.
Steady communication keeps people focused; when they know leadership is present and paying attention, the work stays on pace.
