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Profit Power: 7 lessons from the racetrack to apply to your landscape business

December 14, 2021 -  By Jeffrey Scott

This weekend was my last track day of the year.

Know your car, and invite the best mentors to help you fix it up. (Photo: Jeffrey Scott)

As I reflect on my experiences this year, taking my driving skills to the next level, a few observations come to mind that relates directly to the leadership and management of your landscape business.

7 lessons to consider:

1. Analyze your performance after each run. Before I get out of my car after a 30-minute run, I think about the places I can improve. I pull up the data from my specialty Garmin device to watch the turns I did well in and where I can do better. At work, this means reviewing job costs and a daily and weekly review of each crew’s output.
   Immediate feedback is the best way to keep making ongoing improvements throughout the year.
2. Hold the steering wheel loose. It is key to stay calm and not clench or grip your steering wheel too tight. You actually lose control that way.
   The same goes for your leadership. Let go of the reins, delegate and give your people room to make decisions. Be the relaxed boss even as you are hard driving.
3. Look ahead two turns so your pivots are smooth. The only way to go faster without crashing is to have your eyes focused ahead by a turn or two, way down the track. In business, you should always be thinking ahead to tomorrow, next week, next month, next quarter, and your long-term plans. It will help keep your pivots smooth and have you come across to your team as a level-headed supervisor.
4. Breathe and relax. My Fitbit says I burn a LOT of calories when sitting in the car seat. So it’s important to breathe and relax. Be zen, even when your heart is pumping! The same goes for business. Don’t get caught up in the drama of the day-to-day challenges. Take a breath, meditate a bit and tell yourself: “you got this like you always do” or “this too shall pass.”
5. Go into the turns slower than you think. Personally, I can be too rushed and excited headed into the turns, when I need to slow down. At work, that means taking time to get buy-in from your team on new plans. Don’t rush the new ideas rather, go in slow, make the turn slower, and then speed up as you figure it out.
6. A fast driver knows his car. At work, this means don’t be just the big salesperson, the star of the show, but rather stay connected to your people. Keep a pulse on how well your team is feeling and doing. Delegate for sure, but don’t disappear from the scene.
7. Smile a lot and have fun. Show everyone you are having fun, and they will have fun too! Watch out for your body language and expressions on your face. You are the thermometer that tells everyone else how to feel. Personally, I find it satisfying how business can emulate car racing –– or pick any hobby you enjoy.

Your challenge: Look for the commonalities in everything you do, and you will become better at everything you do.