12 Leadership Styles: Pacesetting
Mastering the Art of Running Faster and Strategic Slowdowns
As a leader, there’s something exhilarating about setting the pace. The adrenaline of running at problems with ambition and breakneck speed can be intoxicating. When you're in the zone, leading from the front, pushing your team to build faster, innovate more, and tackle every challenge head-on—it feels like you’re unstoppable. And honestly, who doesn’t love that rush?
I love setting the pace. I thrive on it. But here’s the thing: I also love knowing when it’s time to take my foot off the gas and tell the team to “take a breath.” Leaders (especially founders and CxOs) often get caught up in the mantra of “urgency, urgency, urgency.” Build more. Build faster. Build EVERYTHING. But here’s the reality: marathon runners and sprinters run different races, and each has its place in the racing world. What you need for any given race is an awareness of the finish line and a strategy to run at the right pace.
What is Pacesetting Leadership?
Pacesetting leadership is all about setting high standards and leading by example. As a pacesetting leader, you’re out in front, showing your team how it’s done and expecting them to keep up. This style is defined by urgency, excellence, and a relentless drive to achieve results. It’s perfect for high-performing teams who thrive on challenge and can handle the intensity of a fast-paced environment.
But pacesetting isn’t just about speed. It’s about knowing when to push hard and when to ease up. A great pacesetting leader understands that there’s a time to sprint and a time to slow the pace—because even the fastest runners need to conserve energy for the long haul.
The Pros of Pacesetting Leadership
High Performance: Pacesetting leadership drives results. When used effectively, it can elevate a team’s performance, pushing them to achieve more than they thought possible.
Lead by Example: As a pacesetting leader, you’re not just telling your team what to do—you’re showing them. This can be incredibly motivating for team members who respect your work ethic and dedication.
Quick Execution: In situations where speed is essential, pacesetting leadership can help teams move quickly and decisively, reducing the time spent on decision-making and pushing projects forward.
Fosters Excellence: By setting high standards, you encourage your team to meet and exceed expectations, creating a culture of excellence.
The Cons of Pacesetting Leadership
Burnout: The relentless drive for speed and excellence can lead to burnout, especially if the pace never lets up. Team members may struggle to sustain the intensity over time.
Lack of Flexibility: Pacesetting leaders can sometimes be so focused on achieving results quickly that they overlook alternative approaches or fail to adjust when circumstances change.
Micromanagement: The desire for excellence can lead to micromanagement, as pacesetting leaders may find it difficult to trust their team to meet their high standards without constant oversight.
Reduced Team Morale: Not everyone thrives under constant pressure. If the pace is too intense for too long, it can demoralize team members who feel they can’t keep up.
When is Pacesetting Leadership Best Utilized?
Pacesetting leadership is particularly effective in situations where quick execution and high performance are critical. It’s a great fit for high-stakes projects with tight deadlines, or in competitive environments where speed and quality are essential for success. This style is also well-suited for leading high-performing teams who are motivated by challenge and capable of sustaining a fast pace without burning out.
The Art of Slowing Down: Why Balance is Key
As much as I love the thrill of pacesetting, I’ve learned that true leadership is about balance. There’s a time to sprint and a time to take a breath. Just like marathon runners and sprinters train differently for their races, leaders must be aware of the finish line and adjust their pace accordingly.
In a sprint, it’s all about speed—pushing hard, hitting those short-term goals, and getting across the finish line first. But in a marathon, it’s about endurance. You can’t run at top speed the entire time. You need to conserve energy, pace yourself, and strategically decide when to push harder and when to hold back. The same is true in leadership.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your team is to tell them, “It’s okay to slow down.” Let them catch their breath, regroup, and prepare for the next big push. By balancing periods of intense focus with moments of rest and reflection, you not only avoid burnout but also ensure that your team remains engaged and ready for whatever comes next.
Pacesetting Leadership in Action: Diverse Examples
1. Phil Jackson - Known as the "Zen Master," Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers to a combined 11 NBA championships. While Jackson is celebrated for his philosophical and balanced approach, he was also a master of pacesetting. He set high standards for his players and expected them to perform at a championship level consistently. However, Jackson also understood the importance of pacing and mindfulness, ensuring that his teams could sustain their performance throughout grueling NBA seasons.
2. Oprah Winfrey - As a media mogul and entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey’s work ethic and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her one of the most influential figures in the world. She sets high standards for herself and her team, leading by example and driving success across multiple ventures. While Oprah pushes for excellence, she also recognizes the importance of balance and self-care, making her a strong example of a pacesetting leader who knows when to slow down.
3. Sheryl Sandberg - As the former COO of Facebook (now Meta), Sheryl Sandberg is known for setting high expectations and leading by example. She has driven the company through periods of rapid growth with her ambitious and fast-paced leadership style. At the same time, Sandberg has advocated for work-life balance, recognizing the importance of sustainable pacing in leadership and ensuring her team remains motivated and engaged.
Conclusion
Pacesetting leadership is a powerful style that can drive incredible results—when used wisely. It’s about knowing when to push hard, set the pace, and lead your team to new heights. But it’s also about recognizing when to slow down, take a breath, and let your team recover.
As leaders, especially founders and CxOs, it’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of “more, faster, now.” But the best leaders understand that not every race is a sprint. Sometimes, the most strategic move is to pace yourself—and your team—for the marathon ahead.
If you’re ready to explore how to balance pacesetting leadership with the wisdom to slow down, book a discovery call and let’s talk.
Leadership is about more than just speed—it’s about running the right race, at the right pace, to reach the right finish line.
More to come,
Leah