They’re showing up. They’re clocking in. They’re answering emails.
But something feels… off.
They’re not really there.
If you’re leading a team and you’ve got that gut feeling that something’s wrong—listen to it.
Because quiet quitting isn’t just a trendy buzzword.
It’s real.
And it’s costing you energy, performance, and momentum.
Here are 3 signs your team is quietly checking out—and what to do about it:
1. Speed and urgency are gone.
What used to get done quickly now takes longer. Deadlines are slipping.
There’s no fire. No ownership. No hustle.
Instead of being proactive, your team is reactive (or worse, passive).
2. Mood levels have dropped.
The energy is low. People are grumpier than usual. They’re short, distracted, or disengaged.
You walk into the room and it’s like someone turned down the emotional volume.
That spark—gone.
3. They’re avoiding you.
Team members who used to speak up? Quiet.
Questions that used to get asked? Left hanging.
They’re dodging conversations, meetings, and YOU.
This is your wake-up call.
So how do you fix it?
First—remember this:
People are motivated by getting what they want.
They’re demotivated by feeling like they never will.
That’s it.
If your team is checked out, it’s likely because they don’t see a path to what they truly want—whether that’s recognition, growth, impact, autonomy, or a better environment.
So what do you do?
Put it on the table.
Call a meeting. One-on-one or as a group. Doesn’t matter.
Sit down and say something like:
“Here’s what I’ve noticed. Speed’s down. Mood’s low. What’s going on?”
Then…
Shut up. And listen.
Let them talk. You’ll be surprised what comes out.
The second you give people space to be heard, their energy starts to shift.
And when you hear the truth. Don’t argue. Don’t defend. Just respond with empathy, leadership, and ownership.
The fix isn’t just about perks or pep talks.
It’s about building a culture where people feel safe to speak, heard when they do, and empowered to take action.
Bring your team into the process. Let them co-create the solution.
That’s how you reignite ownership, energy, and engagement.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.
Be awesome,
– Blair
