Assessor’s Corner: When “I Quit” Becomes a Power Play – What Leaders Need to Know
Hi everyone,
Garry Brook here, Senior Mentor, Trainer, and Assessor at Australian Work Skill.
Let’s talk about a tricky (but not uncommon) leadership challenge: managing staff who threaten to resign as a way to influence decisions, gain control, or avoid accountability.
It’s an emotional moment when someone says, “I’ll just leave then.” Your instinct might be to call their bluff, pass judgment, or respond emotionally. But what if we paused and asked a better question?
What’s really going on underneath?
The Boy Who Cried “I Quit”
We’ve all heard the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Over time, his false alarms cost him credibility, and when the real issue came, no one listened.
The same can happen in the workplace. When someone repeatedly threatens to resign but never follows through, it can erode trust and team morale. But here’s the catch, if you immediately label them as manipulative or dramatic, you miss the opportunity to lead with insight.
Threats Are Signals, Not Always Solutions
People often use the “I’m leaving” card when:
- They feel unheard or undervalued
- There’s unresolved tension or burnout
- They don’t have the tools or confidence to express their real concerns
Your role as a leader isn’t to react, it’s to investigate.
Ask yourself:
- Have I created a safe space for feedback?
- Am I avoiding a hard conversation that needs to happen?
- Is this person’s behaviour a pattern, or a symptom?
Respond with Curiosity, Not Judgement
Instead of jumping into a “stay or go” mindset, try:
- “Help me understand what’s making you feel this way.”
- “If we took the resignation off the table, what would need to change for you to feel supported here?”
- “Let’s separate the emotion from the issue so we can get to the core of what’s going on.”
This approach de-escalates power struggles and opens the door to growth for both you and your team members.
Resignation threats might be a control tactic, yes but often, they’re also a cry for clarity, support, or direction. Great leaders look past the noise and find the need.
What would you do if a team member used this tactic with you? Let’s talk it out, drop your thoughts below.
Until next time,
Garry Brook
Senior Mentor | Trainer & Assessor
Australian Work Skill
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