𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥

This morning, as I enjoyed my coffee in the kitchen, I scrolled through my LinkedIn feed and was struck by the mixed messages companies often send.

One post celebrated a company’s sales and profit successes. Their CEO touted how strategy shifts and product mix adjustments had boosted profitability and market share. And truly, that’s great news for the company, their customers, and our industry. Profitable companies have the resources to reinvest in research, development, and innovation. That’s how progress happens.

But as I read that celebratory message, I couldn’t help but feel distracted. I had applied for a position with that same company. I sent a tailored application, followed up with emails to two hiring managers, and had a phone conversation with HR. After all that communication? Silence. No reply. No update. Ghosted. I eventually realized I was no longer a candidate when a “new hire” announcement appeared for that position.

To the hiring team, I might have been just one more name in the applicant pool. But I have also been someone who championed their products in the past. I might have again in the future. Then again, maybe I won’t.

Because what sticks with me is the contrast. The glossy, public message from the C-suite celebrated growth and connection. The private message I received was one of disregard and disconnect.

How often do our companies unintentionally send mixed messages like this? When the message from the top doesn’t reflect what is happening at what we call in the pig business, the slat level?