From Catching Lightning in a Bottle by Tuong Do
Team members willingly admit mistakes, ask for help, say "I don't know," and show up as human beings — not just professionals performing competence.
Red flag: Meetings are polished performances where everyone reports that everything is fine.
The team engages in fierce debates about ideas without making it personal. People argue passionately, then let go immediately. No grudges. No politics.
Red flag: Everyone always agrees, or disagreements become personal and linger.
Every person on the team can articulate why the work matters — in their own words, not a rehearsed mission statement. Purpose drives daily decisions.
Red flag: Ask three people why their work matters and you get three different answers — or blank stares.
Decisions are made by the people closest to the information, not the person with the biggest title. The team doesn't wait for permission to act.
Red flag: Every decision requires three meetings and two levels of approval.
Success and failure belong to the team, not individuals. No blame culture. No hero worship. Systems work, not saviors.
Red flag: One person everyone depends on, or "we need to wait for X to get back from vacation."