We’ve all heard it: employees don’t quit companies; they quit bad leaders. And while that may be spot on, here’s the kicker: great leaders don’t just help people thrive—they help them quit. But hold on, it’s not what you think. Great leaders spark a disruption that encourages employees to quit certain habits that are holding them back. And this, my friends, is where the magic happens.
You see, great leaders understand something pivotal about success: it’s not about doing more, controlling everything, or being all things to all people. It’s about getting your team to quit the stuff that doesn’t matter and focusing their energy on what truly moves the needle.
So let’s dive into the 4 Areas Great Leaders Encourage Employees to Quit—because you might just be the leader who needs to be a little more “disruptive” in how you approach success!
Look, trying to make everyone happy is a losing battle. It’s like trying to win a race on a treadmill—you’re going nowhere. And yet, so many of us are driven by this constant need to be liked or approved of. But here’s the disruption: great leaders give their teams permission to disappoint some people. They help employees realize that not everyone’s opinion matters equally when it comes to moving the organization forward.
Instead of spreading themselves thin, great leaders encourage their teams to focus on the people and things that matter most. They prioritize what’s important, allowing their team to say “no” without guilt and “yes” with conviction. Think about it: what if you quit trying to make everyone happy and focused on making the right people happy? How much more could you accomplish?
We all have our limits. There are only so many hours in a day, and the more you try to do everything, the less effective you become. Let’s face it: you can’t be a superhero. And if you try to do it all, you’re bound to drop the ball somewhere.
The disruption here? Great leaders get clarity. They work with their teams to identify what really matters and which goals are non-negotiable. Instead of trying to juggle a million things, they create focus. They empower employees to quit overloading themselves and to pour their energy into the tasks that will make the biggest impact. So, when was the last time you asked yourself, “What’s the ONE thing I should be focused on right now?”
In today’s data-driven world, we measure everything. If it can be tracked, we’re tracking it. But here’s the thing: measuring everything can lead to the urge to fix everything—and that’s where the real disruption begins.
Great leaders know that not everything needs to be perfect. In fact, some things can simply be “good enough.” They help their teams identify which metrics are truly important, and give them the freedom to let other things slide. By embracing “just okay” in some areas, leaders create space for excellence to flourish where it matters. The goal isn’t to fix everything—it’s to focus on the things that will drive the most meaningful results.
We all like a little bit of control, right? Who doesn’t want to have everything go their way? But here’s the disruption: when you focus too much on controlling things, you end up missing the bigger picture. Great leaders empower their teams to focus on what they can control, and let go of what they can’t.
Instead of obsessing over the uncontrollable, great leaders give their teams the tools, influence, and access they need to own what is within their power. They help people quit wasting time on things outside their realm and encourage them to channel energy into the areas where they can make a real difference. Are you spending too much time worrying about things you can’t control?
So, how are you doing so far? Are you ready to quit trying to be everything to everyone? Are you making the right investments in your time, energy, and resources?
As a leader, it’s critical to assess whether you’re creating a culture of successful quitters. Ask yourself:
Remember, disruption doesn’t always mean tearing things down. Sometimes, it’s about quitting the old ways of doing things to make space for something more powerful and more effective. By empowering your team to quit the unnecessary and focus on the essential, you’ll lead them toward greater success and fulfillment.
So, here’s your challenge: take a moment to reflect. What’s one thing you can quit today that will make you—and your team—more successful tomorrow? You might just find that a culture of “quitters” is the key to the disruption you’ve been looking for.
Make it a great day!
Patrick
PS: Want to learn more about thriving in disruption? Tomorrow, my coauthor, James Patterson (yes, that James Patterson), and I will be delivering a complimentary webinar with our partners at FranklinCovey. The session is from 1-2 pm Eastern, and the first 1,000 registrants get a copy of our book, Disrupt Everything, which won’t be in stores until 9/29/2025. Don’t miss out! Sign up at https://www.franklincovey.com/events/webcast-series/disrupt-everything/
