Field notes

Field Notes

Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.

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A successful crew chief, like Knaus, must have a nose for talent. Beyond skill and experience, he looks for team members with the character and personal values that will shine on race day. Knaus is known for an unusual test at the end of his selection process. After a candidate’s interview, Knaus walks the prospective team member to the parking lot to say goodbye. And to check out their car.
Leaders who express disappointment in people can unintentionally create a tsunami of doubt and insecurity. When leaders prefer not to be so direct, it becomes challenging to offer criticism without causing alarm.
Good leaders stretch people. They provide opportunities and experiences that require new thinking, skills, and behaviors. They design or offer challenges that require sustained effort and that reward experimentation and initiative. They know people grow fastest when they operate with autonomy. So they design challenges that require independent decision-making.