Remember when "quiet quitting" was all the rage? Employees doing the bare minimum and not an inch more. Well, hold onto your ergonomic office chairs because 2024 brings another ridiculous made-up trend that’s the result of some silly thought leadership.
I’m talking about "quiet managing." As much as this sounds like another buzzword straight out of a satirical office sitcom, it's starting to make waves in corporate circles – and headlines. But is it a game-changer or just another fad?
The Era of Over-Managing: A Look Back
Gone are the days when managers hovered over employees like news helicopters over a traffic jam. We've seen it all - the endless check-ins, the meetings about meetings, and the dreaded micro-management that made us feel like rebellious teenagers rather than competent professionals. “Leave me alone, MOM.” *door slam*
The old-school approach was all about control, but let's face it, it often led to stifled creativity and frustrated employees. So what did people do? Nothing.
And by "nothing," I mean “quiet quitting.”
It feels like just yesterday, “quiet quitting" became the buzzword du jour. Employees were mentally checking out, doing just enough to fly under the radar. But also doing exactly what their job descriptions asked for – nothing more, nothing less. Because why would you do more if you’re not being compensated for it?
It was like a silent protest against the invisible chains of micromanagement and overbearing corporate culture. In this era, many managers believed that even more oversight was the magic potion to keep productivity on track. The reality? It often led to a counterproductive work environment, where creativity and enthusiasm were as scarce as a free conference room at 9 AM.
In response to feeling undervalued or overburdened, employees turned to 'quiet quitting,' a term used to describe the act of withdrawing effort and engagement without formally quitting. This phenomenon highlighted a critical disconnect between employee expectations and management practices. The old-school approach, with its relentless focus on control and visibility, contributed to this chasm. Meetings became marathons, and check-ins felt more like interrogations than support sessions.
As much as "quiet quitting" was a symptom of the problem, it also became a catalyst for change. It forced a reevaluation of what effective management looks like. Enter "quiet managing," a concept that recognizes that trust and autonomy can fuel productivity and satisfaction in ways that micromanagement never could.
Quiet Managing: The New Kid on the Block
Picture this: managers set clear goals, provide the necessary tools, and then – here's the kicker – they step back. Yes, you heard that right. No need to gasp and clutch your pearls. These managers actually trust their teams to get the job done without breathing down their necks every five minutes. It's like giving employees a GPS for their work journey and then letting them drive. Ah, autonomy.
Before you dismiss this as another corporate fad, let's talk facts. An Atlassian study revealed that nearly half of the employees felt overwhelmed by meetings, with many considering them counterproductive. Check out that link – there is a lot of stuff that is simply wasting. Your. Time.
“Quiet managing” is about cutting down these productivity-killers and fostering autonomy. It aligns with what employees have been yearning for – trust and freedom to work in ways that suit them best.
But let's not put on our rose-colored glasses just yet. While "quiet managing" sounds great in theory, it's not without its pitfalls. What about those who thrive under close guidance? Or the potential for misunderstandings in a less communicative environment?
Another key challenge is the risk of managers being too hands-off, leading to overlooked project details or misbehavior in the team. Quiet managers might also rely heavily on their own understandings, limiting engagement and fresh ideas. Another issue is their tendency to avoid emotional connections, potentially leaving employees feeling ignored or unimportant. These managers may also struggle with networking and delegation, affecting their influence and the team's balance.
The key is balance – knowing when to step in and when to step back.
"Quiet managing" might sound like the latest buzzword, but it addresses a real need in the modern workplace – the need for autonomy and trust. It's a step away from the micromanagement maze and a leap towards a more empowered workforce. Will it solve all our workplace woes? Probably not. But it's definitely a step in the right direction.
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