Staffing & Recruiter Training Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dr. David Burkus, organizational psychologist and author of Best Team Ever, about the fundamentals of leading small teams effectively. Dr. Burkus explains that while leadership in large organizations is often about managing systems and processes, leading a small team requires a deeper focus on culture, communication, and accountability. He highlights that leaders of small teams have a unique advantage: they can directly influence the team’s culture and engagement, shaping an environment of trust, collaboration, and high performance. Key topics include the importance of setting clear expectations and milestones, fostering healthy conflict as a tool for innovation, and the power of team-wide meetings for accountability and alignment. Dr. Burkus shares his three-question team huddle framework—asking team members what they’ve completed, what they’re focused on next, and what’s blocking their progress—to create a structured, transparent approac