Let’s talk about quiet quitting. By now, you’ve heard of the TikTok post that is becoming a trend. It’s moving so fast that quiet quitting already has several meanings. At its worst, it’s a way of checking out. But I’ll bet being disengaged isn’t quite the brand you’re trying to build. So, don’t show up like that, kids!
Here’s an alternative: Use quiet quitting to your advantage, where you reflect on What you’re doing and How you’re getting it done. In the September series, Soft Skills Essentials for Quiet Quitting, we’ll discuss three ways to use soft skills to land a new job, attain a leadership position, or expand in your current role.
First, you might be at a crossroads, wondering whether to stay or go. So, ask yourself this question: If your job was a TV show, would you be back for Season 2? There’s your answer.
Now, let’s look at ways your pitch can change from everyday to excellent.
McKinsey & Co. ran a survey asking employers about the causes of attrition and found a surprising result: Meaning matters. Bill Schaninger said, “A sense of belonging, accomplishment, and being challenged positively in your work are ‘still very important’. You could even say more important.”
Trey Williams cited the study in his article, “Bosses are oblivious to why employees are quitting. Here’s what they need to know,” but the findings were also personal. Williams has a friend we’ll call The Job Seeker. The Job Seeker feels undervalued and on the brink of burn out. He’s outgrown his current role but is currently in a holding pattern. External opportunities so far haven’t been the right creative fit.
The Job Seeker has put together a long wish list for his current position. He’s looking for “new challenges, redistribution of the workload he’s acquired as other colleagues have quit, as well as a raise that that he feels fairly reflects his value to the company.”
The upside of that wish list is that The Job Seeker is clear about what a meaningful job looks like to him. But the downside is that everyone wants less work and a better package.
As a professional negotiator, I’ve learned the hard way that real life doesn’t look like “Billions,” where you try to charm or force your way into demands like more pay. Instead, the best deals benefit both sides. So, let’s think through ways The Job Seeker can transform his pitch by matching his needs with qualities employers are seeking.
If you want to land a new job, be appointed to a leadership role in a community group, or expand your current job to have better responsibilities and more pay, set the tone with a pitch showcasing the whole you. You can do that by capturing three essentials:
Imagine The Job Seeker running into a former colleague at a restaurant, and they introduce him to someone who mentions they’re adding staff. Suddenly, The Big Opportunity has dropped into his lap! But the last thing he should do is lead with feeling undervalued and wanting more money.
Instead, his soft skill strengths are hiding in plain sight. For instance:
Now, let’s put it all together in a few sentences. His elevator pitch could be, “I’d love to bring my creative thinking and experience to solve your challenges. Building productive partnerships is my specialty!” In just a few sentences, he’s become a very interesting candidate!
Before you head for the exits, noodle around with your best qualities, and then turn them into soft skills. If you’re new to soft skills or want a refresher, boss up with my free 15-minute course, “Soft Skills Basics in a Flash.”
You’ll learn what soft skills are, why people who understand soft skills stand out in a crowd, and practical, actionable ways to use soft skills every day. With the bonus 1-pager, “7 Ways to Pitch Your Soft Skills Superpower” in your back pocket, you’ll leave calm, self-assured, and ready to speak soft skills with anyone who asks.
Make creating a strong 3-step pitch part of your quiet quitting exit strategy. Don’t just sit there—make your move!