In this episode of the Lighthouse Leadership Podcast, Evan Hickok explores why making progress visible is essential for keeping teams engaged and motivated—especially in knowledge work where results aren’t always tangible. Drawing on neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and examples from companies like Pixar and Apple, Evan shows how transparent processes feed our brain’s craving for progress and help teams sustain momentum.

Key Takeaways

1. Progress is a motivator – Humans are wired to seek out signs of progress, thanks to dopamine, our ancient goal-seeking chemical.
2. Transparency drives alignment – Tools like Kanban boards, JIRA, and daily standups make progress visible, fostering shared understanding and collective purpose.
3. Three types of processes – Routine (recipes), complex (flexible but structured), and creative (innovation frameworks) each require different approaches but benefit from visibility.
4. Avoid process without results – Processes should exist to produce consistent outcomes; ineffective processes need to be reworked or discarded.
5. Shared wins boost team morale – Seeing and hearing progress—like tasks moving to “done” or hearing status updates—creates a sense of momentum that pulls teams forward.

TL;DR

Our brains crave progress. By making your team’s work visible through transparent processes, you tap into ancient motivational systems and create alignment, momentum, and shared purpose.

Resources Mentioned

• Kanban Boards – Visual workflow tools for tracking progress
• JIRA – Project management software for agile teams
• Pixar’s Creative Process – Proven methods for producing successful films
• Apple New Product Process (ANPP) – Apple’s structured approach to innovation
• NASA and Amazon – Examples of organizations using robust creative processes

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