What do you think?
Rate this book
12 Second Culture
There has been a long preoccupation in America with being fast and being the best. But could it be possible that winning (or advancing) at all costs is killing us?
More than 50 percent of US employees would trust a complete stranger over their boss; heart attack rates are highest on Monday mornings; the United States is the world leader in anti-depressant medication; and more than two-thirds of US employees experience a lack of connection or inspiration in their workplace. Misery festers in a space where Americans spend half their waking day. Simply put, something is broken.
Pit-crew coaches Mike Metcalf and Shaun Peet know about the pressure to be fast and to be the best. NASCAR pit crews operate on the edge of what is humanly possible: they are expected to consistently change four tires and fuel a car in 12 seconds. The difference in one-fifth of a second—the time it takes to change a single lug nut on a single tire—can be the difference in more than $1 million in earnings. But in a performance-driven profession where leadership is often done poorly, Metcalf and Peet have discovered timeless truths that translate into every work environment, whether you work in the corporate world, own a small business, coach a team, or manage people. Speed might be the currency of business, but diversity, efficiency, culture, and kindness are the pathway to a competitive advantage.
More than 50 percent of US employees would trust a complete stranger over their boss; heart attack rates are highest on Monday mornings; the United States is the world leader in anti-depressant medication; and more than two-thirds of US employees experience a lack of connection or inspiration in their workplace. Misery festers in a space where Americans spend half their waking day. Simply put, something is broken.
Pit-crew coaches Mike Metcalf and Shaun Peet know about the pressure to be fast and to be the best. NASCAR pit crews operate on the edge of what is humanly possible: they are expected to consistently change four tires and fuel a car in 12 seconds. The difference in one-fifth of a second—the time it takes to change a single lug nut on a single tire—can be the difference in more than $1 million in earnings. But in a performance-driven profession where leadership is often done poorly, Metcalf and Peet have discovered timeless truths that translate into every work environment, whether you work in the corporate world, own a small business, coach a team, or manage people. Speed might be the currency of business, but diversity, efficiency, culture, and kindness are the pathway to a competitive advantage.
180 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 8, 2025
In 12 Second Culture, Mike Metcalf and Shaun Peet use their experiences as coaches for NASCAR pit crews as means of teaching leadership traits. Each of the 12 chapters starts with what a pit crew would be doing on that second of the pit stop.
The use of NASCAR metaphors in leadership and the real-life examples they use to illustrate each point are to the book's strengths, while the ending seemed to unravel as bit as some of the later points were a rehash of what was already covered.
From a business leadership perspective, it was an okay book. They do bring up some solid concepts that are overlooked in the business world, but some of their concepts might not be applicable outside of a competitive sports team environment.
This is a well written book, and you'll get something out of it. Some of the anecdotes are humorous. The authors come across as likable men who sincerely want to help and have a spirit of humility. It's their genuineness that becomes their main selling point. If you have an interest in Leadership and are a NASCAR fan, this book is for you.
The use of NASCAR metaphors in leadership and the real-life examples they use to illustrate each point are to the book's strengths, while the ending seemed to unravel as bit as some of the later points were a rehash of what was already covered.
From a business leadership perspective, it was an okay book. They do bring up some solid concepts that are overlooked in the business world, but some of their concepts might not be applicable outside of a competitive sports team environment.
This is a well written book, and you'll get something out of it. Some of the anecdotes are humorous. The authors come across as likable men who sincerely want to help and have a spirit of humility. It's their genuineness that becomes their main selling point. If you have an interest in Leadership and are a NASCAR fan, this book is for you.
October 14, 2023
The book is extremely well-written and the lessons are applicable and translatable. More importantly, this is how these two actually lead their teams - with empathy, kindness and success.
Love hearing their advice on how it's not only the correct way to lead but that it brings results as well when supported properly.
Love hearing their advice on how it's not only the correct way to lead but that it brings results as well when supported properly.
June 22, 2021
Great insight on building culture, leadership, and character with compelling examples and scenarios from NASCAR racing.
August 1, 2022
Must read for any business leader.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews