ASPIRATIONALLY, AMY
PACESETTING LEADERSHIP
A pacesetting leader focuses on performance and sets high standards for achievement through their own example while also holding their team accountable to ambitious goals and deadlines. They thrive in fast-paced environments and often work alongside their team to boost morale and increase productivity. Pacesetting leadership is characterized by its emphasis on fast results, talented teams, and individual growth.
PACESETTING LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Clearly articulate the specifications of the project or tasks that you asking your team to complete. You can ensure your team is aligned on their purpose and their goals if you set a strong example by your own performance, and by communicating with your team directly and honestly.
LEVERAGE YOUR TEAM'S STRENGTHS
When delegating tasks to your team, give them a mix of projects that they are good at and those that will challenge them. By setting ambitious deadlines for them to deliver on and stretch their skills, you can help bolster their motivation and their growth.
STRIVE FOR BALANCE
Make sure you weigh the fast results you and your team are working toward against the pressures of a high performance environment. Fatigue and missed deadlines can lead to burnout if your employees are not given adequate time and support to successfully do their work.
Pacesetting leaders are exceptional communicators who achieve fast, high-quality results and foster a working environment that is high-energy and dynamic. By setting the pace and high standards through their own examples, they challenge their team to meet lofty goals and ambitious deadlines. Pacesetting leadership works well for skilled and experienced teams, because they can be motivated by the urgency and excitement of successfully meeting goals while continuously improving.
Common pitfalls of pacesetting leadership include burnout and miscommunication. The risk of setting aggressive goals is the pressure and stress that comes with missed deadlines or unrealistic expectations. Pacesetting leadership can overwhelm and demotivate even the strongest of teams over time, especially if they feel that they are unable to creatively explore alternative strategies for meeting the goals they are striving toward. If a pacesetting leader struggles to articulate their expectations, they set their team up for failure, regardless of their intentions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PACESETTING LEADERSHIP
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REFERENCES
Becker, B. (2022, December 26). Leadership styles: The 11 most common & how to find your style. Hubspot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/leadership-styles
Doolen, D. (n.d.). 11 leadership styles—what works and what doesn’t. Career Contessa. https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/leadership-styles/
HRDQ Staff. (2022, September 22). What is pacesetting leadership? Examples, Pro/Cons, and More https://hrdqstore.com/blogs/hrdq-blog/pacesetting-leadership-examples-pros-cons
Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, February 3). What is pacesetting leadership? Definition and advantages. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/pacesetting-leadership
Martinuzzi, B. (2013, September 23). The two leadership styles that can destroy a business. American Express Business Class. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/the-two-leadership-styles-that-can-destroy-a-business/