By Britt Yenser
As HETMA embarks on the #Roadto10K, this journey is about more than just growing our numbers—it’s about supporting the personal and professional growth of each member. Every month, we’ll explore a new theme centered on reflection, growth, mental health, and confidence. If the themes ever feel overwhelming, this column will offer them in small, approachable steps to help you engage at your own pace.
September’s theme is:
Life is a highway: BUILD A SYSTEM
Positive, repeatable habits generate longterm success. Define processes in your work or team that improves outcomes and enhances collaboration.
Champions don’t do extraordinary things. They do ordinary things, but they do them without thinking, too fast for the other team to react. They follow the habits they’ve learned.
-Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit
Like creating a well designed highway, progress and success come when we create systems that help us travel the road side by side. By defining processes that improve outcomes, we’re not just solving today’s challenges—we’re paving the way for long-term success.
Here are practical ways to build positive, repeatable habits that become systems that last:
- Standardize the Routine. Create checklists, templates, or step-by-step guides for recurring tasks. These save time, reduce errors, and allow everyone to work with the same map.
- Create Shared Playbooks. Document team routines—whether it’s meeting agendas, event prep checklists, or project workflows—so everyone knows the route and no one has to guess the next step.
- Share the Road. Involve your team in building and refining systems. Open feedback channels ensure that everyone understands the process and feels ownership of the journey.
- Celebrate Consistency. Recognize when the team follows processes well. A simple “thank you” or a quick shoutout reinforces that these habits matter.
- Start Small, Scale Up. Instead of overhauling everything at once, pick one process—like weekly check-ins—and practice it consistently until it becomes second nature.
- Set Clear Expectations. Habits stick when everyone knows how the habits benefit the team. Define responsibilities clearly so each person understands how they fit in the team’s journey.
- Model the Way. Leaders who consistently follow the system show the team that the rules of the road apply to everyone. This builds trust and accountability.
Just like a well-built highway connects people and places, strong systems connect our teams to shared goals and lasting success. The habits we choose today shape the journey ahead—making it smoother, faster, and more collaborative. Start small, stay consistent, and invite your team to travel the road with you. Together, you can build systems that not only carry you through today’s projects but also pave the way for tomorrow’s opportunities. The road is waiting—what’s the first habit your team will build?
