Business Education

Signs an Employee is Quite Quitting

Quite quitting is currently making all the rounds on social media and in corporate environments. And, it’s generating a whole lot of attention. Quite quitting isn’t just the latest buzz phrase, either. (Although, it is a bit misleading, given that it doesn’t mean preparing to turn in a resignation letter. Instead, it means doing as little as possible while still collecting a paycheck. Or, what was previously known as “coasting.”) However, this differs because employees who “coast” usually depart in the near future. Quite quitting is about staying onboard, but performing just enough to get by without being noticed.

Quite Quitting Explained

The term quiet quitting has only recently emerged and it’s gained quite a bit of traction in a very short time. The phenomenon is thought to arise from the aftereffects of the pandemic and shutdowns, which gave people a lot of time to reflect and reprioritize. The theory goes that employees realized that they can have a more fulfilling life experience by doing less at work and putting emphasis on their personal lives.

Not taking your job too seriously has a new name: quiet quitting. The phrase is generating millions of views on TikTok as some young professionals reject the idea of going above and beyond in their careers, labeling their lesser enthusiasm a form of ‘quitting.’ It isn’t about getting off the company payroll, these employees say. In fact, the idea is to stay on it—but focus your time on the things you do outside of the office. —Wall Street Journal

Obviously, this has a number of profound effects – not least of which is the fact that businesses are still paying them the same, though their production steadily declines and quality of work will likewise suffer. That’s just an unfortunate reality, but there are also other deleterious effects. Rather than make the person engaging in this practice happier, it will likely have the opposite effect, since numerous studies have clearly shown that work adds value and purpose to people’s lives. So, it is imperative to know the signs of quiet quitting in order to spot it when it starts to manifest, and before it becomes a problem.

Top Signs an Employee is Quite Quitting

The good news about this new phenomenon is that it’s actually a kind of reincarnation of an age-old problem. As stated above, it was previously known as coasting, something employees did when they were about to leave their position. But, this new version is far more concerning, because the employee who is quiet quitting has no intention of actually leaving their job. So, here are the top warning signs an employee is quietly quitting:

They disengage. An employee who previously stayed in the mix and was eagerly part of the day-to-day operations and activity will start to disengage. At first, it might not be obvious. But, over time, managers and business owners will probably notice it.
They stop keeping up. Similarly, an employee who is quietly quitting will no longer keep up with the latest that’s going on inside the company. Instead, he or she will fall out of the loop or just remain on the margins in order to appear that he or she is keeping up with what’s happening – even though that’s not what’s really transpiring.
They no longer take initiative. This should come as no surprise. By its very definition, quiet quitting means doing as little as possible in order to remain employed but definitely not contributing any more than necessary. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy sign to spot, especially with people who were previously go-getters who now just seem to show up and do the bare minimum.
They keep their ideas and opinions private. This sign isn’t overtly obvious, but it does point to the distinct possibility an employee is quietly quitting. However, if it is someone who previously contributed good ideas and shared their thoughts and opinions and now doesn’t, then such a change might be a red flag.

What other telltale signs would you say are indicative of quite quitting? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and opinions – and/or experiences – so others can benefit from your suggestions! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Apple, Amazon Hit $1 Trillion while Brick-and-Mortars Lose — Here’s the Lesson

September 30, 2018 No Comments

News recently hit that Apple and Amazon have reached $1 trillion in market value. Wow. That’s really something but not unexpected. After all, it was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle — especially legacy stores. So, why such a disparity? We all know the quick answer — failure to adapt to a changing marketplace. (It’s why there’s just one, lone Blockbuster in the entire United States.) The underlying lesson is the ones getting left behind might have well enjoyed a lot of past success. But now, they’re stuck. And, that’s the most important takeaway. How to Know if You’re Stuck So, what does it mean to be stuck? More importantly, what does it feel like? Unfortunately, this is a phenomenon which isn’t always readily apparent. It might slowly creep up and surprise you in an unexpected moment. The good news is, you can usually tell. For instance, if you just don’t experience the thrill or feel the passion. That’s the most obvious. It’s not uncommon for a business to begin to spin its wheels. For you company owners, it will feel like you’re treading water, and while you may not wake up to it right away, eventually it will start to weigh on your mind. Most of the time, these periods will pass, as they may simply be down to such things as seasonal trends or other outside market forces. But when they drag on too long, it could indeed be time to make some significant changes. —Entrepreneur.com A more subtle telltale sign is when you rationalize a rut as a normal routine. Or, when you see the competition moving ahead, yet you can’t seem to make any real headway. Those too, are signs you’re stuck in-place. Tops Ways to Get Unstuck Now, if you feel stuck, you probably are and fortunately, there are ways out. The good news is, you don’t have to make huge changes. Here are a few helpful suggestions for how to get unstuck: Try something new. Change up your routine. Or, go in a different direction. The point is to try something new out and do so with flexibility. In other words, don’t go all-in. Instead, slowly dip your toes in the water and test it out. You’ll probably feel excitement and even experience some inspiration. Take an impromptu hiatus. You probably have a trip planned. But, in the meantime, there you are, feeling stuck; feeling uninspired. So, change it up and take an impromptu hiatus to relax, refresh, and unwind. You’ll come back with a whole new outlook. Reach out to an experienced business coach. One of the reasons you feel stuck is because you’re stuck inside of you. Put another way, you’re not looking at things with a fresh set of eyes. Get a different perspective and advice from an experienced business coach. Take advantage of seeing what someone on the outside sees. Then, embrace what you learn. What other suggestions would you offer to get unstuck? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Here’s the Most Important Takeaway from the Trump ZTE Fiasco

June 12, 2018 No Comments

ZTE who? What? Wait just a moment. There’s headlines all over and most Americans don’t know what to make of the situation. In fact, it’s a bit confusing since it deals with a very boring subject. But, it’s really not that difficult to understand. Ostensibly, it’s the result of bad business practices, and it’s causing real-world consequences for a very large company. At the most basic level, it delivers a great business lesson, which many entrepreneurs would otherwise avoid. It’s an uncomfortable topic but it’s also a never-ending threat — complying with the law. The Trump, ZTE Fiasco in a Nutshell Of course, very few business owners intentionally break the law. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not possible to accidentally cross the line. (In fact, it’s entirely possible to inadvertently make a mistake, only to realize it when it’s too late. After all, there are so many laws, it’s nearly impossible to always be in-the-know, all the time.) Basically, the Chinese company, ZTE, sold its products to Iran and North Korea. Now, what triggers the trouble is the fact those products contained American-made components. Today’s business owners have a wide array of concerns, not the least of which is turning a profit in what can be a volatile economy. However, financial success is of little consequence if the government compels you to dissolve your company for failing to comply with legal requirements. —Intuit Quickbooks The net result is a colossal fine of $1.19 billion. Yes, “billion, with a ‘B.’” That’s the cost of violating trade agreements and it’s one which will surely make every international company take notice. But, such a financial penalty will put ZTE out of business. That’s where the controversy comes into play. What to Do if Your Business is Out of Compliance Now, let’s look at the core lesson here — operating a business within the confines of the law. Sure, breaking the law is not something you set out to do. Although, this doesn’t mean it can’t happen. If it does, here are some helpful suggestions for how to deal with a compliance issue: Don’t try to hide it or ignore it. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to hide it or ignore it. The problem won’t magically go away. It will only worsen and that’s much more damaging. Face it, apologize, ask for forgiveness, take responsibility and do so humbly. Get sound legal advice, right away. If your business does break a law, it’s not necessarily the end of the world. Sure, it’s definitely unpleasant and uncomfortable. But, that means it’s time to tackle it head-on, as soon as possible. Speak with a lawyer, if necessary to learn about your options. Openly address the situation carefully. Chances are excellent your team members will learn about it at some point. Do yourself a favor and address it pragmatically. Just like when you fire an employee, there will be questions and you have a duty to provide answers. Learn from your mistake and move on. While it’s a bad experience, that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistake and then put it behind you. Have you ever experienced violating a code or law? What other advice would you offer about learning and getting past the experience? Please share your thoughts by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How the Lesson of the Gordian Knot Can Help You When Your Business Faces a Difficult and Urgent Problem

February 23, 2024 No Comments

How the Lesson of the Gordian Knot Can Help You When Your Business Faces a Difficult and Urgent Problem Recently, we discussed how to deal with the fallout of falling into the key person dependency trap. But, what happens if you unwittingly run into such a scenario or a similar situation? In other words, what if you’re faced with making an urgent and crucial decision? Well, let’s look back at a historical event that can help guide business owners in such situations, courtesy of one of the most recognized leaders in all of antiquity – the son of King Phillip II – Alexander of Macedon or as he would come to be known, Alexander the Great, and his encounter with the Gordian Knot. The Gordian Knot was a complex knot tied to an oxcart in the ancient city of Gordium. According to legend, whoever could untie the knot would be destined to rule all of Asia. When Alexander the Great arrived in Gordium in 333 BC, he was presented with the challenge of untying the knot. Instead of spending time trying to untangle it, Alexander took his sword and simply cut through it. This bold action came to be known as “cutting the Gordian knot,” which means solving a difficult problem with a quick and decisive solution. How to Make an Urgent and Critical Business Decision with Confidence Fast forward to the present. Today’s business world is very fast-paced. And being able to make quick and critical decisions is essential for success. The power to make confident choices under pressure can set you apart from your competitors and propel your business to new heights. Okay, why this sounds like a viable solution, exactly how does someone go about it? Well, there are steps you can take: Assess the situation. The first step in making a quick and critical business decision is to assess the situation. Gather all relevant information and analyze the facts objectively. This will help you understand the problem and identify potential solutions. Identify your priorities. When making a critical decision, it’s important to know your priorities. Determine what is most important to you and your business. This will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a decision that aligns with your goals. Consult with your team. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when making a critical decision. Consult with your team and gather their input. This will not only give you a fresh perspective, but it will also help build trust and confidence in your decision-making process. Trust your instincts. While it’s important to gather information and consult with others, remember to trust your instincts. Sometimes, the best decisions come from following your gut. If something feels right, it probably is. Conversely, if you get a bad feeling, it’s probably the wrong decision. Act decisively. Once you’ve made a decision, act on it with confidence. Don’t second-guess yourself or hesitate. Quick and decisive action is key to making a critical business decision with confidence. Bonus Tips for High-Pressure Moments Always take a step back. If overwhelming emotions threaten your clarity, take a short break to clear your head and regain perspective. Then, be bold and embrace the unknown. Accepting that perfect information is rarely available empowers you to make decisions despite uncertainty. Additionally, hone your focus on learning. View every decision as an opportunity to learn and adapt, even if the outcome isn’t ideal. Making a quick and critical business decision with confidence requires assessment, prioritization, consultation, and trust in your instincts. But remember, even the most confident decisions carry some risk. Embrace the process, learn from each experience, and trust your ability to navigate challenging situations with courage and wisdom. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.