Silence Does Not Mean Consent!

There is a phrase sometimes used in the corporate world: “Qui tacet consentire videtur.” It is part of a larger phrase that translates as “He who is silent, when he ought to have spoken and was able to, is taken to agree.” Project managers feel clever in throwing that quote around as a way to try to drive conversation and agreement. Sort of like “speak now or forever hold your peace.”

To be very clear: That does NOT apply to any activity related to sex or physical restraint in any way.

Silence, or simply the lack of a “yes,” should ALWAYS be taken as a “no.”