At the Indy 500, leadership lessons are everywhere, but nowhere is it more apparent than in Pit Row. My family has been attending the race for the past 5 years. For my kids, the pit stop area is one of the most exciting and impressive parts of the event. The cars speed in, and in a matter of seconds, tires are changed, tanks are refilled, and everything is adjusted. It boggles the mind how it all gets done so quickly and efficiently.

Although I certainly don’t know the ins and outs of the mechanical feats accomplished in Pit Row, its easy to recognize the leadership and basic business principles employed to get things done.

Teamwork: Although a single winner crosses the finish line of the Indy 500, the race is won by a team. Behind the driver are countless individuals all coming together to make those laps possible and winnable. For the pit crew, teamwork is especially vital to coordinate a successful stop and help the driver get back to the track safely and quickly. In business, the same holds true. Supporting the big boss are team leaders and individuals who work together to make or break the business.

Communication: In Pit Row, communication is essential. But the car doesn’t just pull up and then everyone starts talking about what to do next. Everything is discussed, planned out, and coordinated well in advance so everyone is prepared and ready when the moment arrives. If the Pit team hasn’t communicated properly before the race, the system breaks down. Likewise, business leaders need to listen, communicate, and coordinate with their teams to successfully move forward.

Performance: A plan is only good if it’s carried out correctly. Strategizing and practicing prior to a race is vital in Pit Row, but poor implementation can destroy it all. Everyone must perform at top efficiency in order to be successful. Last year at the Indy 500, precious time was wasted in the pit when a team performed poorly. Needless to say, that team’s driver did not win the race. Performance is a key aspect of any leadership strategy. In business, successful implementation is dependent on top leaders guiding top performers.

Responsibility: In Pit Row at the Indy 500, the team is responsible for correctly maintaining the vehicle in record time. The very the life of the driver is in their hands.  A business leader is responsible for each employee he leads. The leader’s decisions ultimately effect the success of the company and therefore, the livelihoods and reputations of his staff. Being a responsible, dependable part of the team is essential in business as well as on Pit Row.

This year at the Indy 500, my family and I will be paying close attention to the performance of the pit crew. No matter who crosses the finish line in the end, we’ll all be impressed and thrilled to have witnessed the precision and leadership abilities displayed in the Pits.

–Sheri Staak