The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang. – Mary Kay Ash
Being from the South, one might draw the conclusion that I am a NASCAR fan. And while on numerous occasions, I have watched races on TV, I’m not really that into it. For me, watching a race has primarily served the purpose of inducing a nap on Sunday afternoons. However, I must say that the last 20-30 laps are the most fun to watch.
In the limited amount of knowledge that I have pertaining to NASCAR, I do understand that the Pace car serves an important purpose.
Before a race begins, the pace car serves an important function in keeping the field safe and in the proper position. The pace car will pull out in front of the field and remain at a constant speed. The drivers are required to stay behind the pace car. During caution periods, the pace car leads the pack at a lower speed, and drivers are not allowed to pass, maintaining field positions.
As a leader, you are essentially a pacesetter in your organization. Your pace for the most part will determine the pace of your people. Being a pacesetter in leadership comes with many responsibilities as all eyes are on you.
While setting an example for setting the pace is important, knowing what is transferable and what’s not is critical. Let me break it down for you.
Setting your pace personally
As a leader, the focus of your personal pace is set primarily on your personal growth. Your personal pace impacts your professional pace, and for each person, it looks different.
Components of your personal pace are those intentional things that you do daily that help you grow and develop as a leader. This is your personal growth plan. This would include but not be limited to goal setting, reading habits, exercise, health, spiritual growth, emotional well-being, etc.
It’s as you are intentionally focused on these areas of your life, you set the pace for this development. You move as fast or as slow as you choose in the areas that you are working to improve.
Essential to the success of your personal pace is found in your daily routine. Without consistency and intentionality, your growth will be hit-and-miss at best. The pace of your growth as a leader is not accidental. But once it’s set, you can grow and be an example that others will look to and be inspired by.
Your personal leadership pace is transferable to the next level.
Setting your pace professionally
As a leader, the pace you set is a reflection of your personal pace. Barbara Corcoran observed, “People imitate their leader. Lead by example.” And this is the ultimate challenge of setting the pace as a leader.
Think about leaders in your own life whom you have admired or desired in some way to emulate. In college, for me, it was Dr. Tom Wilson. His pace was steady, he exuded confidence, and he could convince us that if we were charging hell with squirt guns, we’d win. A retired Army officer, Dr. Wilson was a wonderful model of leadership for me.
In my post-college years, many have inspired me, but none have had an enduring and lasting impact on my life like John Maxwell. I began reading his work around 1992 and haven’t looked back. His example and impact on my life have been profound.
Your pace professionally is set by your daily habits and disciplines. The expectation that you have for your people is the example that you must set. Click To Tweet
While it’s a given that on many levels and in various ways, you will out-pace your people, it should never be said that your people out-paced you.
Final Thoughts
Stephen Covey observed, “ Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” And this is the secret to setting the pace with your leadership. Your pace a year from now will look much different than it does today. But today is the day you begin.
©2023 Doug Dickerson
