51: Culture is the Scoreboard

read time 2 minutes

Welcome to the With Intention weekly newsletter where I share ideas & learnings to help you live & lead with intention

At a glance:

• Essay: When everything clicks
• Quote: Slow is smooth
• Visual: 1% better every day 

When Everything Clicks

Last week I spent time inside the New England Revolution's facility, talking leadership and culture with head coach Caleb Porter.

It was one of those moments where everything just clicked.

I sat down with the sporting director, spent time with the front office, the medical team, some players—and even Deb Ross, the longtime locker room attendant quietly watching practice from the sidelines.

What stood out most?

Everything was aligned.

From the mock field diagrams on the walls to the MLS standings posted in the team room, there was zero confusion about the mission. Every detail reinforced clarity and purpose.

Caleb looked at me during our conversation and said: "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast."

That kind of calm precision doesn't happen by accident.

It's what intentional culture looks like. Not just talk—but systema. Not just values—but visible alignment

The Revs are currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak. But that's not the most impressive part.

The impressive part is what's underneath: a team where everyone - coaches, players, staff is pulling in the same direction.

Simple. Disciplined. Connected.

It reminded me of the best teams I've worked with in business. The ones who don't leave culture to chance. They build it into the bones of how they operate.

So, here's the question I've been sitting with—and maybe it's one for you too:

Where in your life or business is there a gap between what you say and what you systematize?

Because culture is the scoreboard.

And the best teams? They live it every day.

Stay intentional,
Jon

1% better everyday

source: James Clear, Atomic Habits

Thanks for reading!

Jon Giganti 

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