There has been a rise in quiet quitting (and discourse around it) over the past few years, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a culture that sees the Great Resignation and people prioritising their work-life balance, quiet quitting — where team members disengage, becoming less productive without formally resigning — is a sign of professionals going into survival mode and the team being unable to grow into their full potential.
The good news is that managers can make a big difference in improving employee morale and productivity and ensuring their team members feel content at work.
Management Traits to Combat Quiet Quitting
As a manager, you can influence your employees’ working styles and ethics. If you notice some patterns that spell quiet quitting, it is up to you to ensure your team feels valued at work so they can thrive. Here are 5 managerial traits you can work on to improve your management skills:
1. Effective Communication Skills
The mark of an efficient manager is the ability to communicate clearly. As a leader, you need to ensure that you not only communicate tasks and deadlines but also set clear expectations throughout. This includes giving timely feedback so your team members know what they excel at and where they need improvement.
2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
To be a good leader, you need to understand people, be patient, and have a lot of emotional intelligence. You must prioritise building relationships of trust with your teammates and be open to their needs, concerns, and goals. In addition, you should also work towards creating an environment where employees feel safe communicating with you.
3. Vision and Strategic Thinking
A purpose-driven agenda keeps a team excited and motivated. So if you need a clear vision and/or a solid game plan for your team, don’t be surprised if they feel lost or overwhelmed. You need to be clear about what your team is doing and how they’ll achieve these goals.
4. Leadership Skills
A good manager must have the gravitas of a leader. You need to be someone who actively works on maintaining and improving the well-being of your team. It’s your demeanour that will ultimately inspire them to take the initiative.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
With changing circumstances and evolving priorities, pivoting and adjusting your approach is critical to success. Being open to new ideas and approaches can help your team stay engaged, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to cultivate traits that will keep your team motivated. The skills mentioned above will help you become a more efficient manager and prevent quiet quitting. If you’re interested in further honing these skills, check out NMIMS Global’s distance learning programs that help you upskill without giving up your professional aspirations.
