Despite capable teams and solid strategies, many organizations see little progress because of unproductive daily habits. Julie Turpin, Chief People Officer at Brown & Brown, highlights how consistent positive behaviors create lasting results that set growing teams apart from stagnant ones.
- Daily habits impact more than talent or strategy.
- High performers build environments for good habits to flourish.
- Accountability before failure improves goal achievement.
What happened
Many organizations invest heavily in strategy and hiring talented teams but still find their progress stalled quarter after quarter. Julie Turpin points out that this disconnect is rarely about the people or the plan but about the habits that teams adopt or fail to change. Teams spend a significant portion of their time—up to 60%—on “work about work,” such as redundant meetings and chasing updates, which eats away at productivity.
The real challenge lies in the unnoticed daily behaviors that shape outcomes. These include how meetings are run, how decisions are made, and how communication flows. Often, established practices persist simply because no one questioned them. This leads to friction that slows down progress and keeps teams stuck regardless of their potential or intentions.
Why it feels good
Understanding that change comes from small, manageable habit shifts feels empowering rather than overwhelming. Instead of trying to overhaul entire systems overnight, leaders and team members can focus on a single behavior that will make their workflows smoother, decisions quicker, or collaboration clearer.
Good habits also create a positive feedback loop. When teams block time for critical thinking, hold consistent check-ins, or build in reflection, these routines become natural rather than forced. This predictability reduces stress and confusion, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and feel confident in their contributions.
What to enjoy or watch next
To cultivate a growing team, start by examining your own workday and the team’s habitual patterns. Identify one unproductive habit to shift and make the new behavior the norm. Leaders who visibly commit to development conversations and reflection send an important message about their values and priorities, inspiring others to follow suit.
Additionally, find a trusted colleague to hold you accountable for your commitments. Sharing goals with someone respected boosts follow-through and success. By embedding helpful habits into your daily routine and team culture, you build resilience against market changes and turnover—making positive growth the expected outcome.