Turning abstract concepts like mindsets and values into concrete behaviors can feel daunting. Here’s a simple framing I’ve used with teams to make it easier and get them into action:

brainstorming prompt:

How might we {mindset} through {structure}?

The answers = concrete behaviors your team can actually act on.

when to use this

This approach is useful when you need to:

Introduce new mindsets to a team
Get managers to take action on a new re-brand
Give leaders a clear, tangible way to influence change

2 Step Process

example: Bringing discovery mindsets to life

At a Fortune 500 offsite, leaders wanted their teams to work in a more discovery-driven way. But they struggled to identify immediate actions that would make that shift real.

step 1: define the columns (mindsets) & rows (structures)

columns (mindsets)

First, we identified four key mindsets we wanted leaders to embody:

Be Human
Flare Before Focus
Seek Diverse Perspectives
Make to Learn

These are the abstract ideas that define where the organization wants to go. Put your newly defined mindsets, values, re-branded vision here.

rows (structures)

Next, we identified five existing structures where behaviors show up:

Norms (meetings, calendars, one-on-ones)
Strategy (OKRs, communication, metrics)
Incentives (compensation, rewards, recognition)
Tools (software, operating models)
Environment (office design, objects, break areas)

step 2: brainstorm at the intersections

Each intersection of a column (mindset) and a row (structure) becomes a brainstorming prompt. For example:

How might we Be Human through weekly standups?
How might we Seek Diverse Perspectives through office design?
How might we Make to Learn through OKR definition?

This shifts conversations from vague aspirations to practical, observable behaviors that fit into existing workflows.

Try It with Your Team

Set up a 30-minute working session.

Pick a few key mindsets.
Map them against existing rituals and structures.
Brainstorm actions at the intersections.

Then, watch your team come alive as abstract ideas become tangible, testable behaviors.

If you try this out, I’d love to hear how it goes.

Whenever you are ready, there are 4 ways my team and I can help your organization:

Sprints: Get proof an idea will work (or not) in days or weeks. Not months or years
Coaching & Training: Equip your workforce to build more customer-focused solutions
All Hands Workshops: Turn your All Hands meetings + conferences into immediate results
Ways of Working: Launch behavior change interventions before investing significant resources

#26: Turn abstract mindsets into concrete behaviors with this prompt