Say Something Before the Silence Does: Lessons from Real Business Challenges

If there’s one thing, I’ve seen time and time again working with small and medium-sized businesses, it’s this “when the going gets tough”, silence can do more damage than the actual problem.

Take one of my clients, a mid-sized transport company. When project delays hit and cashflow got tight, management’s first instinct was to wait until they “knew more” before talking to the staff. Weeks went by, and you could feel the tension rising in the yard. Rumours started, people thought the company was about to close. Great drivers started quietly looking for other jobs.

When we finally helped the leadership team to step in, they simply shared that “yes, there were challenges,  but no, the doors weren’t closing”. They also explained what they were doing to steady the business. The turnaround was instant. People appreciated the honesty, stayed loyal, and even offered ideas on how they could help save costs.

And don’t worry about making it perfect. Your team doesn’t need polished corporate speak. They want real talk, the same way you’d explain the situation to a friend or a family member. They’ll respect you more for being upfront than for staying silent while they’re left guessing.

So:

• Be prompt — Don’t wait for all the answers before you update.
• Be real — Speak in your own voice, not “corporate” language.
• Be steady — Even if it’s just saying “We’re still working through it,” regular updates build trust.

The businesses that come through tough times strongest aren’t the ones who kept the most secrets, they’re the ones who kept their people connected.

So next time you’re unsure whether to say something, take a breath, and speak. Your people don’t need perfection. They just need to know you’re in it with them.

For more information on how we can help your team contact hello@networkhr.co.nz today.