The Lombardi Rules
It’s Super Bowl LVIII across the pond this weekend. And the winner takes home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. But who’s Vince Lombardi?
Vince Lombardi was one of the world’s greatest coaches. As coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967, Lombardi too a ragtag group of players and moulded them into a championship team. The Packers won NFL championships in 1961, 1962 and 1965, as well as the first two Super Bowls in 1966 and 1967.
So much can be said about Lombardi’s leadership style and legacy—I’ll save that for another day. If you’re looking for an insider’s look at Lombardi’s extraordinary methods, then The Lombardi Rules is an excellent summary of his leadership model. (It’s also written by his son).
Consistently Inconsistent
Confession time.
I haven’t been as consistent as I’d have liked so far this year. From uploading weekly tutorials, recording our weekly podcast and posting daily blogs. It’s a far cry from where I want to be. And certainly an area for improvement. So what needs to change?
I could start by doing less. Lowering standards. Not making as many promises. But that isn’t me. So I need to find a system that allows me to be more consistent, without failing at the first hurdle or sight of overwhelm.
I don’t have the answer—yet. But I’m determined to find out.
Taking Responsibility
Leadership is taking responsibility for any given situation. Not just standing back, but proactively engaging with the situation.
Here’s a great quote I stumbled upon this week. (And it struck a chord.) It’s taken from the fabulous book, Changing Your Story, by Bill Beswick.
“Responsibility means doing what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it. It means being where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there. It means doing what you say you’re going to do, and doing right by yourself and by others.”
— Bill Belichick (NFL Coach)
Widely regarded as one of the great coaches of all time, Bill Belichick holds the record of most Super Bowl wins (six) all with the New England Patriots. So he definitely knows something about leadership.
Ps It’s the Super Bowl this Sunday... Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers.
Goals that shape us
How well do your goals change your actions?
If your goals aren’t making you think and act differently, you should question whether they’re the most appropriate goals. Instead, try bigger goals, try more meaningful goals, try goals that stop you in your tracks. For that’s how we should judge a goal. By how much it changes our actions in the present moment.
Visualising Waste
How can you get your message across more effectively?
I was listening to From Our Own Correspondent at the weekend (BBC Radio 4). Presented by Kate Adie, it features insight, wit and analysis from correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world. And this week was no exception. There were stories from France, Turkey, Cambodia, Canada and Chile. But one simple story stood out.
The correspondent detailed how rising bureaucracy is harming French farmers. (No surprise there). The farmers believe there are far too many rules. For example, farmers must set aside four percent of their land each year to help the environment and combat climate change. One farmer interviewed said this was costing his business the equivalent of 300,000 baguettes each year!
I thought this was brilliant. A French farmer visualising waste in terms of French produce. Something we could all do in our businesses.
Groundhog Day
What happens when life starts to repeat itself?
What happens when life starts to repeat itself? And what can you do about it?
Witnessing Groundhog Day
There are two definitions of Groundhog Day.
A tradition in the United States when a groundhog (think marmot—or ground squirrel) comes out of its hole after hibernation. If the little creature sees its shadow—i.e. the weather is sunny—then it climbs back into its hole, which signals a further six weeks of winter.
A situation in which a series of unwelcome or tedious events appear to be recurring in exactly the same way.
I’ve never witnessed the first meaning—yet. Although I’ve come across the second meaning many times—and in many different organisations. Every time it’s a result of fire-fighting and poor planning—in individuals, teams and organisations.
In nature, today is Groundhog Day (Friday, 02 February 2024). But in the workplace, it could take place on any given day.
Buridan’s Donkey
Are you trying to pursue many different directions at once?
In his brilliant book, Hell Yeah or No, Derek Siver’s describes a story about a donkey who can’t make his mind up. You may have heard this one before. Always worth a re-read.
Buridan’s donkey is standing halfway between a pile of hay and a bucket of water. It keeps looking left and right, trying to decide between hay and water. Unable to decide, it eventually dies of hunger and thirst.
A donkey can’t think of the future. If he could, he’d clearly realise that he could first drink the water, then go eat the hay.
Don’t be the donkey. You can do everything you want to do. You just need foresight and patience.
Amen.
1 percent at 1,000 things
What are you doing to improve your business?
When Scandinavian Airlines (SAS Group) was struggling in the 1980s, then CEO Jan Carlzon had a plan. And it was a simple plan.
“We did not seek to be 1,000 percent better at anything. We seek to be one percent better at 1,000 things.” — Jan Carlzon (former CEO Scandinavian Airlines)
It turns out that the aggregation of marginal gains isn’t just for sport—and cycling. Go back far enough, and it can be found in any world class business.
Rodney Parade
What lessons in leadership can we learn from a provincial sports stadium?
In the mostly unlikely of football matches, Manchester United travel to the City of Newport today. It’s the FA Cup third round tie between one of the biggest clubs in the world, versus one of the smallest in the UK. A classic tale of David and Goliath.
A Finishing School for Leaders
If only there was a place where you could really learn about leadership.
A place that helps you understand what leadership feels like. What leadership looks like. How best to achieve it.
Well that’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve with Twelve Scholars. You could call it “a finishing school for leaders”. In 10 years, we would like it to be known as a Global Institute for Leadership Development.
That’s one Big Hairy Audacious Goal.
Silver Linings from Setbacks
When did you first start your leadership journey?
If you’re anything like me, you’ll know exactly where you were. What you were doing. Who you were with. And it wasn’t in the classroom.
I had just received a letter of no confidence—signed by every member of my team. All fourteen of them. And on that Thursday night shift, I vowed never to stop learning about myself, my team—and leadership.
That was over 20 years ago—and I’m still learning.
I’m grateful the incident happened. Yes, it was painful at the time, But it was also the turning point for me and my team. Within 12 months, we went from worst performing team—to highest performing team—in almost every metric and measure.
So remember—with every setback, there’s always an opportunity.
Ten Attributes of an Explanation
In his brilliant book, The Art of Explanation, Ros Atkins introduces ten attributes that he looks for in any explanation.
Simplicity
Essential detail
Complexity
Efficiency
Precision
Context
No distractions
Engaging
Useful
Clarity of purpose
Most of the problems we have when not getting our message across is connected to not managing one or more of these.
In Conversation with Ros Atkins
How do you communicate with clarity and conviction?
Ros Atkins was in town tonight. He was taking a break from presenting and editing BBC News to discuss his latest book, The Art of Explanation.
And yes, he spoke—with clarity and conviction—about how to express yourself persuasively and as accurately as possible. He reminded everyone to keep all communication relevant, simple and to think about the audience at all times.
A key phrase he introduced was, “And the reasons this matters is…” which can be deployed in almost any situation.
(I shall be using this myself).
He talked about how complex stories can be told simply. And how to acknowledge the audience without losing them.
I received his book last September. I was immediately struck at how accessible it was. Filled with practical examples, The Art of Explanation is a must read for anyone who wants to sharpen their commutation skills.
I shall be re-reading my copy again this week!
Being Proactive at the Library
What habits and rituals do you have when visiting the library?
I visited Manchester Central Library tonight. It was the first time this year. But just before the main event, I had just enough time to visit the business section.
And yes, great to see Twelve Scholars on display. There are 12 copies of ‘Twelve Scholars Journal—Be Proactive’ available for lending. And great to hear that all copies are regularly lent—and returned across the Greater Manchester area.
On staying focused
"The most elusive of human goals: keeping things simple and remembering what you set out to do."
—Warren Buffett
The Generation Game
What’s the right age for a leader? And how do you lead different generations?
Where have all the grown ups gone?
Looking back, it wasn’t that long ago when we had grown ups running things. Business. Politics. Countries. True leaders. Today, it feels different.
I don’t think it’s an age thing. I believe professionalism (or being ‘grown up’) is an attitude. It’s a skill. And therefore anyone had demonstrate it—if they choose.
(My 10-year old niece is arguably more grown up than many of her peers—and many of her relatives!).
And so we need to ask ourselves, what would ‘professional you’ do? Describe yourself in the best possible, most proactive and positive light. And stay true to that version—for as long as possible. If only other ‘leaders’ would do the same.
Compound consistency
Build your reputation—by showing up regularly.
In this week’s Tuesday Tutorial, we take a closer look at consistency—and the benefits of compound consistency. We explore dealing with daily discipline, recommend a book and leave you with a simple action step (that’ll be the yellow slide!).
Inspire, be inspired!
A simple idea taken seriously
“Take a simple idea and take it seriously.” — Charlie Munger
This is one of my favourite quotes—of all time. A simple idea has impact. And simple words will amplify your message. If only I’d learned this years ago.