The 5-Minute Reset That Can Transform Your Team's Performance

* By Andrew Roper*

Most managers assume their team knows what success looks like.

But if you pulled each person aside and asked them to define it-you'd likely hear five different answers.

I've seen it happen in startups, in structured operations, and even in high-performing teams. The shift is subtle: expectations change, roles evolve, and before you know it, people are moving fast but aiming in slightly different directions.

That's not a motivation problem.
It's an alignment problem.

The Hidden Cost of Unspoken Expectations.

I leaned hard on this lesson during my time leading inside a fast-moving startup.
Things were constantly shifting-vision, structure, deadlines, team size. And despite having smart, driven people in the room, performance started to slip.

It wasn't because the team stopped caring.
It was because they weren't clear.

Hard Fact: Most leaders assume clarity. Very few actually create it.

We skip it-thinking it's obvious. Or we don't want to come off as controlling.
But when you zoom out, it's almost always the same story:

What looks like a motivation or performance issue is often just a communication issue. One that could have been solved with a five-minute conversation.

The 5-Minute Reset (That Actually Works)

You don't need a full-team meeting.
You don't need a two-hour strategy session that drains everyone.

You just need one moment of alignment.

Here's how I coach first-time managers to reset performance expectations without overcomplicating things:

The 5-Minute Reset:

1. Pick one team member.
   Start small. Resetting one conversation can reset the tone for the whole team.
2. Ask: "What does a win look like in your role this week?"
   This opens the door to honest reflection-without pressure.
3. Listen-really listen.
   No guiding. No correcting. Let them share first.
4. The say: "Want to hear how I define it?"
   This isn't about proving them wrong-it's about aligning perspectives.
5. Align. Clarity. Rest.
   Leave that conversation with a shared definition of success.

That's Leadership.
Not authority. Not perfection. Just the courage to ask the right questions-and listen for the real answers.

Why This Works

When team members know what they're aiming for, they don't just execute-they grow.

It builds trust.
It removes confusion.
It creates ownership.

And most importantly, it shifts the leader's role from managing performance to empowering it.

Want more Simple Wins Like This?

This reset is just one of the tools I wish someone gave me during my first leadership role.

If you're stepping into management and want a stronger foundation, start here:
👉 5 Traps First-Time Managers Fall Into