How Mercedes’ Toto Wolff Became #1 in Formula 1
In her article "Number One in Formula One," Anita Elberse takes a deep dive into the culture and practices of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, which won the Constructors' Championship every year from 2014-2021.
Elberse identifies six key leadership lessons that can be learned from Wolff and the Mercedes team:
Set the highest standards for everyone. Wolff expects the best from everyone on his team, from the drivers to the engineers to the mechanics. He creates a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone is always striving to do better.
Put people front and center. Wolff believes that the team's success is ultimately dependent on the people who make it up. He invests in his people, providing them with the training, resources, and support they need to succeed.
Analyze mistakes continually—even when winning. Wolff is not afraid to talk about mistakes. He believes that the best way to learn is to analyze what went wrong and figure out how to do it better next time.
Foster an open, no-blame culture. Wolff creates a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks. He knows that innovation comes from people feeling free to speak up, even if they make mistakes.
Trust superstars but maintain authority. Wolff knows that he has a team of talented people, but he also knows that he needs to maintain authority. He sets clear expectations and holds people accountable for their performance.
Relentlessly battle complacency. Wolff is always looking for ways to improve. He never takes the team's success for granted. He is constantly looking for new ways to challenge the team and push them to be better.
Success is not about having the best drivers or the best cars. It's about having a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the organization. The Mercedes team is constantly striving to improve, and they are not afraid to fail. They view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Elberse's article is a fascinating look at the inner workings of one of the most successful Formula One teams in history. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to create a winning culture.
