Chapter 2
Team habits
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
– Ken Blanchard
Bias for action, not perfection
Stanley McChrystal’s Team of Teams suggests acting on imperfect information can be more vital than waiting for perfect clarity.
Making decisions quickly—and reviewing them—becomes a habitual rhythm.
Real-time peer feedback
Rather than periodic performance reviews, adopt brief, on-the-spot comments that correct course or celebrate wins.
This habit combats the recency bias of annual reviews and ensures timely growth.
The ‘one-thing’ check-in
Borrowing from Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism,” ask each teammate: “What’s the one thing you need most right now—support, resources, clarity?”
A small daily habit that aligns the team quickly around each other’s top needs.
Whiteboard of wins and lessons
Keep a visible board to log small successes and key lessons.
This continuous habit of noting real-time achievements and insights instills a forward-looking, celebratory culture without letting mistakes slip by unexamined.
Accountability partners
Pair teammates to keep each other on track.
This habit, like gym buddies, increases follow-through on commitments.
Over time, it normalizes collaborative ownership of individual and team outcomes.
Feel free to share with your colleagues
Give feedback, ask questions or request new resources
