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10 Leadership Thoughts from the Indy 500

Today is the Indy 500.  I live in Indiana…so it’s kind of a big deal around here.  There are people I know that will be at the race.  I’ve never been, and I’m ok with that, really.  I’ve been to a few of the qualifying rounds that lead up to the race and that’s enough of a glimpse to let me know that it’s not my thing.  But, as I’ve thought about the race, there are a few leadership thoughts and lessons that I think can be pulled from the Indy 500:

  • Sometimes you have to go in circles before you can get to the finish line.
  • Just because someone laps you, that doesn’t mean that the race is over.
  • How you race leading up to the big day is just as important as how you race on the big day.
  • You may be the best at what you do, but you’re often only measured on the most recent race.
  • The team behind you can make or break the race for you.
  • Today’s race is important, but there are other races on other days that have equal importance, so don’t let one race define you – good or bad.
  • Ability isn’t the only indicator of success.  It is often ability, wisdom, environment, and many others things that increase the likelihood of success.
  • There are some “one-hit-wonders”, but experience on the track flattens the learning curve and helps a leader have more predictable results.
  • A storm may mean that you need to stay off the track until you’re able to get past it.
  • Finally, being the driver (leader) means that, at the end of the day, the failure and success of the day falls squarely on your shoulders.

How are you one the racetrack of leadership?  What are some other lessons you would add to the list?  Post them below…

3 Comments on “10 Leadership Thoughts from the Indy 500

  1. Great thoughts here, especially about the team behind us. Having a good team around us is so key for the success of what we are leading.

    The
    team behind you can make or break the race for you. – See more at:
    https://www.timparsons.me/blog/10-leadership-thoughts-from-the-indy-500/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-leadership-thoughts-from-the-indy-500&utm_source=Tim+Parsons&utm_campaign=b46c979935-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a9885fa84c-b46c979935-118057429#sthash.OXmR9oOf.dpuf

    • Thanks so much for posting Dan! Our team certainly makes or breaks us in leadership. Of course, it takes time and wisdom to surround yourself with the right people that will be both loyal and the right compliment to your weaknesses. Is there anything else you would add to this list of 10, Dan?

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