Some of you might know that I’m a big motorsport enthusiast and race as well. I recently finished the book Tune to Win by Carroll Smith and I would like to share some of my outtakes – not about tuning race cars but rather about the leadership characteristics I observe in the author.

Carroll Smith was a successful race car engineer (inter alia overseeing the preparation of Ford’s GT40’s that won the Le Mans from 1966 to 1969) and one of the few willing to share his knowledge about race cars through a total of 6 publications, ranging from preparation to driving.

1. Be very clear about who you are

Carroll started his career attempting to be a successful race car driver but had the willingness to admit to himself that he does not have the ability to drive at the highest levels, so instead switched to becoming a race car engineer. It takes real guts to be so brutally honest with yourself. More importantly, through this honesty, he put himself on track to achieve successes he would not have achieved had he stubbornly stuck to his initial plans. Leadership starts with leading yourself.

2. Have a clear picture of what you’re working towards

In the opening lines of the first chapter Carroll states the following: “The racing car exists only to allow one man to negotiate a certain fixed distance in less time than any other combination of man and machine present on that day… The racing car is simply a tool for the racing driver.” Absolute clarity on what it is about, and what the point is. Using the race car as a tool for the driver to be the fastest at a given point in time. Period. Leadership is being crystal clear.

3. It’s okay to say you don’t know everything

When last did you attribute something to magic, stated that who knows what else contributes to the situation, or blankly said you don’t know? These are some statements Carroll was willing to make. In a publicised book. About his field of expertise. Absolute authenticity without pretence. Leadership admits gaps.

4. Solutions don’t always work as expected (sometimes you need to go the wrong way)

On some of the topics of tuning, Carroll states that the typical “correct” solution might be wrong. Be it because you have an incorrect baseline, are interpreting the problem wrong, or for whatever other unexplained reason. Don’t always hang on to what “the book” says, sometimes you need to do the opposite to solve the problem. Leadership recognises the fluidity of situations.

5. Spend Your Efforts Wisely

Work on the elements where you will achieve the biggest improvements; this way you spend your efforts wisely. Where you have multiple options, work on what is most practical (re-engineer or a slight adjustment might achieve the same outcome – does it make sense to re-engineer?). And do not pursue efforts where others have the expertise, spend it on where you have the expertise. Leadership is pragmatic.

Closing

Not what you expected from a book review about tuning race cars right? One can learn leadership lessons from unexpected places if you take the time to observe them. Oh, and feel free to let me know if you want to know more about the actual content; I’ll gladly share what I’ve read!

Thanks for your time.