When Silence Speaks Loudly: Staying Motivated When you Hear Crickets From Your Team

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a project you were really excited about, only to be met with… silence? The enthusiasm you had starts to fade when your team doesn’t respond, and that creeping voice of doubt starts to whisper: "They don’t even care," or "Why do I even try?" Maybe you’re thinking, "They don’t see the value I bring or the impact this project could have."

Those feelings are completely normal. Frustration, disappointment, and even self-doubt are common reactions to being met with crickets. But if you’re reading this, I bet you’re a bit like me—settling for the norm isn’t your style. So, the question becomes: what do you do with those feelings?

The Two Paths We Can Take

When faced with a lack of engagement, we typically have two options:

1. Frustration and Disengagement: You could get frustrated, mentally check out, and coast through the rest of the project. You tell yourself, "If no one cares, why should I?" But the truth is, simply getting by doesn’t offer the same fulfillment or energy as pushing toward a goal or completing a meaningful project.

2. Be a Leader Among Followers: Instead of disengaging, you can rise up. Recognize that coasting will only leave you feeling more disconnected. True leadership is about staying committed, even when no one else seems to be. It’s about reigniting your passion and finding new ways to inspire others to get on board.?

Here’s how you can do that:

Three Ways to Rise Up

1. Explain the Why

Often, we bottle up our frustrations and just express the emotion—anger, annoyance, or disappointment. What if instead, you shared the real reason behind your frustration with your team? Find the right time to let them know that the lack of engagement is demotivating for you. Chances are, they’ve been there too and will appreciate your honesty. By expressing the “why” behind your feelings, you create space for open communication and understanding.

2. Leverage 1:1 Conversations

Group dynamics can sometimes stifle individual voices, so instead of waiting for group feedback, try approaching team members individually for their insights. People might feel more comfortable sharing their true thoughts in a 1:1 setting. This can give you more honest feedback, and allow you to address individual concerns, which could be the key to reigniting collective motivation.?

3. Ask for Specific Feedback

Sometimes, your team may not know exactly what kind of feedback you’re looking for. This can lead to inaction, not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsure how to respond. Be clear about what you need—whether it’s constructive feedback, a pat on the back, or insights on how to improve. Giving your team direction makes it easier for them to engage meaningfully.

4. Create Team Agreements

If collaboration is key to your work, it’s essential to establish clear agreements. Maybe it’s a 24-hour response window or setting expectations for feedback timing. Creating these agreements fosters accountability and keeps everyone aligned. It’s not about demanding perfection but about ensuring that communication flows smoothly and that everyone stays engaged in the process.

Wrapping It Up

It’s easy to feel demotivated when your work isn’t met with the enthusiasm you hoped for, but the key is not to let those moments define you. Choose to be a leader among followers, and take proactive steps to engage your team. Whether it’s through honest conversations, clear expectations, or asking for the feedback you need, you have the power to drive the project forward.

Because here’s the thing: rising up isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, with passion and purpose.

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Until next time, keep pushing forward.