Fast Company Article--Ilene Sorensen Life In The Fast Lane by Chuck Salter October 1998, pg. 175

One Two Three Ready Set Go Speed-thats what Jeff Gordon thought was important.

To finish first, you have to work fast. Ray Evernham, NASCARs top crew chief and the man behind race-car champ Jeff Gordon offers lessons from the pit on teamwork, surprise, and the pursuit of perfection. But along with speed it takes painstaking preparation, ego less teamwork and original strategizing. I havent been much of a car racing fan. I was always the one that thought cars going round and round the track was crazy. But after being at a family gathering and seeing others enthuiasium, I decided to read this article.

Some of the points in the article can relate to extension. We prepare a variety of materials and many times we work as a team. So sometimes the project gets done with no recognition. But things have to be done. It is important to use strategy and to be original. Being able to do something different can be rewarding. The NEAs in Cluster 11 are a group of women that can take on a challenge and do it creatively. Timing is important to us so that we can meet our deadlines. We all know that none of us is as smart as all of us together. We are a team and work as one. When I received the Civil Service Award for Minnesota, I was highly rewarded. I shared the award, just as Jeff Gorson does. We know we wouldnt be at this level if we didnt share.

I feel we as NEAs have had many successes and we pay attention to how we are handling these achievements. We dont want to forget the things that put us on the top--so it goes with life and car racing. Salters quoted Success is a ruthless competitor for it flatters and nourishes our weakness and lulls us into complacency. When you win, if youre not careful--if you dont pay attention to how your team is handling success youll stop doing the things that put you on top. Youve got to be very critical of what you do.

Also, just as in car racing and in the game of life you have to slow down to speed up sometimes.

I think this article has lots of good thoughts for people in their daily lives--push for perfection--but accept imperfection. I have to remember small changes in groups and family are behavior changes.

One of my NEA friends said that we have to remember that if our clients drink one less can of pop--thats a change.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 1999

Answers

Ilene Sorensen,

Excellent summary. You did a fine job of relating it to your work in Extension. Good observations. Be sure to discuss your articles with colleagues and add their comments.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 1999