World-class Formula 1 drivers are the face of the Monaco Grand Prix, but it is arguably the pitstop teams in the background that get them to the finish line, says Pierre Berlin.
A well-trained pitstop team built on trust, coordination, and composure in a high-pressure environment can be the differentiating factor between a driver taking home the trophy, or coming in second.
This mentality is also applicable across the workplace. Well-organised teams are the driving force behind business success, even more so when they are strengthened by AI and automation tools. Department leaders can steer their team towards success by taking a ‘people first’ approach that applies a pitstop mindset.
Harmonising individual skills and the wider vision
Pitstop teams perform well because each individual knows their exact role and how that fits into the wider chain of events. This means team members can not only execute their own tasks seamlessly, but synchronously with the rest of the pit crew. The harmonious movement of a pitstop team hinges on collaborative practice, forward planning, and transparency when things go amiss.
Similarly, department leaders can instil harmony in their teams by elucidating why a particular project is being worked on and how it fits into the wider company vision. This can be done by hosting regular town hall meetings to showcase the overall company direction and optimising training programmes to address individual responsibilities and where they fit into the project team. In turn, these initiatives can fuse individual activities with wider company growth.
People-first measures amidst an automated landscape
An innovation mindset, combined with technological advancements, has led to remarkable changes in pitstop outputs. Pitstops that once took 30 seconds are now completed in just under two seconds. In the workplace, AI and automation tools have similar benefits, whereby anything from mundane tasks to content creation can be completed in a significantly shorter amount of time.
As workplaces increasingly start to rely on technology, it becomes important to balance data insights with human intelligence. Leaders still need to put emphasis on ‘people-first’ measures, such as encouraging team members to collaborate in the office, which can contribute to a 20 percent uptick in idea generation. In addition, creating company-wide policies that support individual needs and encourage a sense of belonging can foster a more humanised company culture.
Calm and composed leadership
Pitstop crews are overseen by an individual who ensures the team stays resilient and determined when things don’t go quite to plan. Similarly, in a business context, leaders need to support their team members in a way that encourages strength, perseverance, and reflection in times of difficulty.
During regular activity, leaders can empower their teams and encourage independence by equipping them with the skills to take decisive action while still offering support. This approach not only establishes trust within the team but in turn allows individuals to develop their own skill sets and judgement. Hosting regular, collaborative meetings to discuss progress, address pain points, and set goals helps inspire teams to entrust themselves with challenges.
However, in crisis situations, leaders are responsible for being the driving force, making tough decisions, and managing issues calmly. In times of crisis, composure sets a positive example for junior staff and fosters a more robust and collected team dynamic in the long-term.
Applying the pitstop ideology to your business can enrich teams with better skills and contribute to overall business success. Improved skills and team dynamics only have a positive knock-on effect; they enhance productivity, allow business goals to be met more quickly, and foster company culture.
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By Pierre Berlin, General Manager of EMEA, monday.com