The Coaching Habit: Small Steps to Fix a $2 Trillion Problem

By Taresa Scott

Let’s face it: we’re busy. Everyone from frontline managers to C-suite executives feels the pressure. Yet, lurking beneath the surface of our packed calendars is a problem costing U.S. businesses a mind-boggling $2 trillion a year. And get this—it’s fixable.

According to a recent Gallup report, this massive hit to productivity comes from one core issue: low employee engagement. The good news? The solution isn’t a complex, company-wide initiative. It’s about changing how we lead, one small moment at a time.

This is where a coaching mindset for leaders comes in—not as a formal, time-intensive process, but as a series of simple, daily habits. As outlined in the article “Small Steps, Big Shifts,” the secret to impact lies in developing the “two-minute habit.” Think of it as a leadership superpower—a series of quick, intentional actions that build trust and connection consistently without burnout.

Turning disengagement into momentum with two-minute habits

You don’t have time for a two-hour coaching session. Your team doesn’t want one, either. But you have two minutes. And that’s all you need to start making a real difference. Here’s how you can develop your coaching muscles from small habits that lead to massive results.

The two-minute check-in

The Gallup research highlights that engagement is a direct result of how employees feel valued and supported by their leaders. Next time you pass a team member’s desk or open your instant messaging tool, take two minutes to ask a simple, genuine question: “What’s the one thing I can do to make your day easier?” or “How are you doing, really?” This quick, simple act of presence and genuine curiosity signals that a leader is invested in their team’s well-being and success, not just their output.  It builds psychological safety, and when people feel safe, they bring their best ideas and energy to work.

The two-minute feedback loop

Many leaders shy away from consistent feedback, viewing it as a chore or something reserved for annual reviews, but that’s like trying to navigate with a map that’s three months old. Without feedback, employees can be left to feel uncertain about their performance with the only signal of a job well done is continued employment.

Instead, use a two-minute habit to give specific, in-the-moment praise. Leaders can use this habit to provide real-time, in-the-moment feedback. This could be as simple as, “I saw how you handled that client call—your ability to listen and find a solution on the fly was impressive,” or “The way you organized that project file saved us all so much time. Thank you.” This immediate and specific recognition reinforces positive behaviors and ensures that team members know their contributions are seen and valued. This consistent, positive reinforcement is a key ingredient for reigniting a sense of purpose and connection in the workplace.

The two-minute learning moment

The Gallup data proves that your team is eager to grow, but they may not have the time or a clear path. Leaders can become a part of the solution by transforming brief interactions into learning moments. This could involve sharing a quick insight from a recent article, explaining the “why” behind a decision, or connecting a team member’s work to the company’s broader mission. Point them to a podcast episode or an internal training module that addresses a challenge they’re facing. This might sound something like, “I heard you talking about that project roadblock—have you seen this quick video on problem-solving? It might give you a fresh perspective.” These small nudges show you’re invested in their development and create a culture of continuous learning.

Small habits lead to major impact

By adopting these two-minute coaching habits, leaders become a lifeline for employee retention. They begin to close the skills gap and reignite a sense of purpose, connection, and community in the workplace. The beauty of this approach is its scalability—these small actions, when repeated across an organization, can lead to a fundamental shift in culture, ultimately driving the business forward. Going well beyond fixing a problem; it’s leaders demonstrating they are invested in their people, ensuring they are seen, valued, and supported while creating a culture of continuous growth so that engagement follows.

What small step will you take in the next two minutes to inspire your team?

Image credit: ThinkNeo