He who hesitates is lost.
Adapted from Joseph Addison’s play Cato (1712):”The woman that deliberates is lost.”
One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life was driving a race car around the Atlanta Motor Speedway in excess of 150 mph. I was fortunate to take part in a morning session of the Richard Petty Driving Experience. After a short instruction period, we were led to the track to take our place behind the wheel of a 600 horsepower speed machine.
In session one, I ran 8 laps before being brought in for some coaching by an instructor. He told me, “You are getting too close to the pace car. Make sure you follow his lead and don’t get so close.” I kept my distance and did better the second session. My lap speeds by 10 miles per hour.
It’s been said many times, “Speed of the leader; speed of the team.” We, as leaders, set the pace for our team members. This is where leadership becomes an art.
If we move too fast for our team, we run the risk of losing touch with those who are following. Team members become tired from trying to keep up. Eventually they become discouraged and quit.
If we move too slowly, top team members become bored. Other members get distracted and have a hard time staying on track. Petty squabbles and divisions soon cloud pursuit of the mission.
When we find the right balance of pace, the organization’s mission is accomplished in a way that energizes those who follow us.
Balance is the result of knowing ourselves as leaders. Do we demand perfection or have expectations of our team members that are too high? Do we know the strengths and limitations of our team members?
As leaders, we set the proper pace so that our team members feel great about being a part of our team and accomplishing the organization’s mission.
What tips do you have for setting the right pace? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Igniting Hope 4 Leaders 
This is so true, I tend to “getter done”. If there is a project, move it on, but sometimes there are folks who are like, what’s the hurry. Sometimes complex scheduling requires you to take immediate action. Other times, I personally, just want to talk it up, move it along and I work all the time in trying to slow it down so everyone on board can be at the same pace-it takes working on. I often have the next project in my mind all set up and have to contain my thoughts as others just need to finish the project at hand. In my cases, I am a move forward fast person, so I have to tone down things so others can get on board. I have also learned, hopefully, to share more responsibilities so others can be involved, but you have to stay on top of things even more, to make sure everyone is moving the project forward.
Good lesson here Pastor Todd, one I work on all the time.
LikeLike
Ken, thank you for your comments. I like what you said about getting others involved in the process. I too tend to run ahead too fast an have to learn to slow down.
LikeLike