**Quiet Quitting or is it Quiet Flourishing?**

“Quiet Quitting” has been doing the rounds loud and proud since 2022, and now in 2023 there seems to be a raised application of it that perhaps really does need to be flipped.

"Quiet quitting" is a term that is being used to describe the practice of disengaging from a job, project, or task without making a formal announcement or quitting in a traditional way. Instead of giving notice or having a conversation with their employer or team, a person who is "quietly quitting" may simply withdraw from their responsibilities, stop participating in meetings, and generally disengage from their work. This can be a result of a number of factors, including feeling undervalued, overworked, or unsupported in the workplace. Quiet quitting applied in this way could infer "gradual disengagement" or "phased resignation". When put in either of these ways, brought to the forefront are some fundamental problems with some applications of the term, nonetheless a cultivation of an unhealthy way of being with self and others.

Quiet quitting can be harmful both to the individual who is disengaging and to the overall functioning of the team or organization. It can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and a lack of accountability, and may cause resentment and animosity among coworkers. Moreover, the person who is quietly quitting may feel unfulfilled, unappreciated, and disempowered in their job, which can impact their self-esteem and sense of purpose.

What about Quite Flourishing instead?

"Quiet flourishing" refers to the practice of achieving success and personal growth in both professional and personal life while utilizing a low-key approach to communication and engagement. This approach emphasizes finding ways to be productive and effective while also embracing one's unique personality, strengths, and communication style.

Quiet flourishing can involve a range of strategies, including setting clear goals and priorities, identifying tasks and projects that align with one's strengths and values, and communicating assertively and respectfully. It may also involve seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, building positive relationships with others, and prioritizing self-care and work-life balance. It can be a moment when you wisely say yes to things that bring out the best in you.

Some examples of quiet flourishing may include finding ways to collaborate effectively with others while still respecting one's need for solitude and quiet time, or identifying ways to contribute meaningfully to a project or organization without needing to be the center of attention or take on a leadership role. It could be setting boundaries for yourself in what you are and are not willing to do anymore as you reassess healthy work habits.

Finding a balance between one's inner world and the external demands of work and personal life underpins quiet flourishing. So what does this look like? Let’s explore this matrix as a part of coaching yourself:

By coaching yourself to grow, maintain, and protect areas of self-care, you can create and cultivate a well-rounded approach to quiet flourishing. This matrix emphasizes the importance of self-care practices across time, setting and maintaining boundaries, and investing in healthy relationships to create a supportive environment that allows you to thrive and succeed. By regularly checking in with yourself and focusing on your wellbeing in each area, you can coach yourself in a way that supports your personal and professional goals.

Incorporating self-awareness into each quadrant of the matrix helps to deepen your understanding of yourself and your needs. Regular check-in’s with yourself allows for you to make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are taking care of yourself and meeting your goals while also acknowledging the context that you are engaging in/processing. Self-awareness also helps you to better understand and communicate with others, which can strengthen your relationships with self and others.

One of the keys to quiet flourishing is finding a balance between your inner world and the external demands of work and personal life. So what will this look like for you as you explore quiet flourishing?

Quiet Quitting or is it Quiet Flourishing?