If you’ve been driving for any amount of time you’ve likely found yourself in front of, behind or next to a Police Car.

Here’s what I’ve noticed. Regardless of the posted speed limit, everyone within proximity drives just a bit slower than the cop.

When the police officer chooses to drive below the speed limit, as they often do, it is a blatant control move and a total power trip. It certainly doesn’t “serve & protect”, it creates fear and anxiety.

Not only that, those driving near the police car stop focusing on the road, put their head down and stare at the speedometer to ensure they don’t get “busted”.

You’ve probably watched the start of an auto race and seen a Pace Car at the front of the pack.

The Pace Car leads the field of drivers into the race. Their presence sets the pace while the other drivers settle into their positions, acclimate to the conditions of the track and set their sights on the finish line.

Once all the drivers are aligned, the Pace Car leaves the field and lets the other drivers accelerate toward the winners circle.

Occasionally, the Pace Car will return to the track if there is an accident or a “caution” flag in order to realign the drivers and assist them is safely navigating the situation.

Under the Hood

When you enter the flow of your organization, do people become cautious, reduce their speed, put their head down and try not to get “busted”?

Or do you bring clarity and alignment, cast the vision and then get out of the way so they can accelerate and win?

Performance Tune

As a leader, does your team view you as a Police Car or a Pace Car?

If you don’t know, ask them!  But do it from the perspective of the Pace Car, not the Police Car!  “I want learn to serve and lead our team better, when I show up in a situation, does it cause you to feel fearful and anxious or inspired and motivated?”

If, as a leader, you can show that kind of humility and vulnerability, your team will follow.  It may take time, a few laps around the track.  But they will fall in line behind you as you set the pace.

Leading Up

Whenever I find myself driving in the presence of a Police Car, I make it a point to drive at the posted speed regardless of the police car or the crowd.  I have no problem passing the Police Car as long I don’t exceed the speed limit.  The rules are established, the boundaries are clear, if there is no hazard present there is no reason for me to slow down.

If your leader, supervisor, manager is a “Police Car”, the best way to serve them, your team and your organization is to keep moving at the “posted speed”.  If the vision is clear and your roles and responsibilities are established, just keep driving.

As with my two examples, they eventually leave.  The “Police Car” will fly off to an actual emergency, tires screeching, lights flashing, siren blaring. (We’ve all worked for that boss!)

The “Pace Car” quietly glides into pit row, leaving the track to let you run wide open.

Either way, when the coast is clear, hit the accelerator and… Lead Faster!