Your Boss May Be Quiet Quitting—But You’re Quiet Leading (With Video)
So your boss is… around… technically. But lately, they’ve been about as present as an out-of-office autoreply. You would never say this out loud, but it sure feels like they’re quiet quitting.
You care. They don’t (or don’t seem to). And now you’re stuck wondering if your emails have fallen into the same abyss as your last performance review.
Yes, it’s frustrating. We’re sorry you’re dealing with this. It can be your time to shine.
4 Steps to Take When. Your Boss is Quiet Quitting (Watch This Quick Video)
Here’s how to turn your manager’s checked-out vibe into a winning moment in your career.
1. Be the Leader You Want Your Boss to Be
We get it. You didn’t sign up to manage your manager. But here you are.
If they’re clocking out mentally, this is your cue to clock in strategically. Take the reins. Propose ideas. Solve problems. Make things better, not just busier.
Power phrase to ask yourself “What would an extraordinary year look like in my role?”
Run with that answer like it’s your Q4 deliverable. Because if no one’s steering the ship, that’s not a mutiny—it’s an opportunity.
2. Don’t Vent Down. Don’t Vent Sideways. Just Act.
Dragging your boss’s name through the Teams chat mud might feel satisfying in the moment—but it doesn’t build your brand—at least not the good kind.
Talk about them, and you’ll look bitter. Talk to them, and you’ll look brave.
Try this instead:
“Hey, I’ve noticed we haven’t connected as much lately. What’s the best way to keep you updated?”
Direct. Respectful. And best of all—it shows you’re not just flailing in the vacuum.
3. Keep Them in the Loop (Even If They’re Not Reading It)
Think of updates like sunscreen. Even if they don’t ask for them, you’ll wish you’d applied some when things heat up.
Don’t let your boss get blindsided by your brilliance.
Example:
“I’ve been making progress on [Project That Matters]. It connects with [Insert Company Priority]. Would it be helpful to share a quick update at the next meeting?”
Short. Sharp. Safe.
See Also: Email Like a Leader
4. Build Your “Backup Boss” Network
You don’t need just one person to champion you. If your boss isn’t cheering from the sidelines, go find your fans elsewhere.
Get visible with peers. Seek out a mentor. Connect with someone who has a functioning calendar and a pulse.
Try this ask:
“I’ve been thinking—we don’t always get to highlight how we each contribute. Can I kick off a ‘strengths spotlight’ in our next team meeting?”
Boom: visibility and leadership cred, all in one.
Your Career Doesn’t Pause Just Because Your Boss Did
Quiet quitting doesn’t have to be contagious. Let your boss disengage, but don’t let it dim your drive.
Lead from where you are. Share your wins. Build your crew. And take the high road. Be the leader you want your boss to be.
Oh, and if you’re looking for more phrases that help you manage up without losing your cool? Our book Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict is basically a survival kit wrapped in kindness and credibility (available in audible too).
0 Comments