Lombardi Time

Vince Lombardi - loved by some, feared by others, but respected by all was arguably the greatest football coach of all time and is on the short list of history’s greatest coaches, regardless of the sport.  His ability to teach, motivate and inspire players helped turn the Green Bay Packers in to a dominating NFL team in the 1960s. Lombardi was also a thoughtful man with uncommon passion, a motivator with uncompromising values, and a leader with unprecedented wisdom and authority. He loved to win and taught others the discipline to achieve victory.

The phrase Lombardi time is coined from Vince Lombardi. He required his team to be early.  It meant that processes would run smoothly and no time would be lost waiting. It also showed respect and was a required discipline to be on his winning team.   Disciplined People, Disciplined Thought, and Disciplined Action.  It’s the formula Jim Collins provides in Good to Great, “A culture of discipline is not a principle of business; it is a principle of greatness.”

Having a great idea, and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs.  “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will,” said Lombardi. And the discipline or will to manage your time is part of the package.

Why subscribe to Lombardi time?

1. Time is an irreplaceable resource

Each second that becomes part of your past will never be part of your present or future ever again. Using each second, minute and hour of the day efficiently is the difference between winning and losing.

2. Move your flywheel

By taking control of your time, you're able to stay focused on the task at hand. This leads to higher efficiency since you never lose momentum (i.e. moving the Flywheel). Lombardi states, “The only place 'success' comes before 'work' is in the dictionary.”  This is true but working smarter is the key.

3. See the big picture

When you practice good time management, you are able to see big picture decisions better.  It starts with arriving at meetings early to gauge the landscape and plan strategy for a more effective discussion.  In addition, when you feel pressed for time, you're more likely to jump in to decisions and not fully consider alternate options.

4. Be more successful

Time management is the key to success; it allows you to take control of your business rather than follow the flow of others. You accomplish more, you make better decisions, and you work more

Lombardi said, “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."  Mr. Lombardi was a smart man.  Leaders have a host of responsibilities that keep their schedules packed. From managing teams, to securing new vendors, leaders are tasked with juggling multiple projects at once. Effective leaders ensure that they maximize their time and accomplish their goals. They win, at all costs.