[joehosteny]

Aside from the flow technique mentioned below, I think it is pretty common.

If I'm acting as the non-flying pilot, my job is to talk to ATC, set radios, load flight plans and instrument approaches, etc. As an example (slight variation), if ATC gives us a flight level change, I would dial in the final altitude on the altitude pre-select. Typically, I'd repeat the clearance back to ATC, put my hand on the dial, change it and leave my hand on it until the flying pilot says "I see FL230".

I sometimes use the point technique before changing something, or after while repeating "I see ..." or "I did ...". It's really effective at making sure you don't do things mindlessly.