Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Learn from Leading Minds - Michael Lombardi

Learn from great minds. Michael Lombardi developed a lifetime of experience and wisdom studying coaching at the side of Al Davis, Bill Walsh, and Bill Belichick. Lombardi wrote, Gridiron Genius to elaborate on those decades. 

Learn from Lombardi. 

[00:03:05]
There's a fine line between work, producing work and learning.

[00:04:35]
you really have to force yourself to learn the entire game. And the only way to do that is by studying it in a complete manner.

[00:06:22]
elements of leadership is management of attention, which means you have a plan. Most coaches have to have a plan for managing the meaning, meaning you can explain your plan clearly and concisely

[00:08:22]
guys that have had involvement in all areas of the football team as head coaches typically become the better head coaches.

[00:11:11]
Scouting is not finding players. Scouting is about eliminating players. And so when you have standards and you have requirements and you have beliefs in your system and player and things that you must have within your system, then you search for players that fit the criteria and you eliminate ones that don't.

[00:14:04]
the question is always asked what it's going to take for us to win the game, how do we have to play it?

[00:15:45]
The teams that win in advance, whether it's in basketball, in the NBA, is they can play different styles and still effectively win the game

[00:18:00]
why did you win or why did you lose? And if you can accurately answer, then you should keep doing the things that you want, and figure out the things you need to do to to stop you from losing. 

[00:20:39]
you have to be able to understand what's urgent and what's important

[00:25:31]
head coaches that also understand both all three elements of the game, what it takes to win, and they both understand how to build an organization that adheres to that.

[00:25:31]
head coaches that also understand both all three elements of the game, what it takes to win, and they both understand how to build an organization that adheres to that.

[00:30:15]
Managers do things right. Leaders do the right thing. And so that fine line is always the balance.

Quotes from Gridiron Genius

"Football is ultimately a business, and as in any successful business the most important ingredients are a sound culture, a realistic plan, strong leadership, and a talented workforce."

"It is the creator alone who understands just what the dish is trying to accomplish, and so he’s the only one who knows just how to make the ingredients work together."

"But in the ultimate team sport, real success doesn’t depend on tactics or discipline or order.  It always comes down to how well a coach leads."

"Ego is the leading cause of unemployment in the coaching world. Those who thrive in this profession don’t place their needs ahead of the team’s."

“We are not collecting talent; we are building a team.” – Belichick

"All the best, most competitive players I’ve been around are exactly the same, willing to do whatever it takes."

"A quick mind comes with preparation.  You prepare so well that you don’t have to think; you just react."

"Warren Buffett admits to spending several hours of his day just reading (mostly company annual reports).  He’s pushing 90 years and $90 billion, yet he still strives to be better by trying to learn a bit more each and every day.  Reading and research is the best remedy for boredom.  But it also guarantees that your thinking will continue to evolve."

Lagniappe. Here's the AI take on Lombardi...

Michael Lombardi is a prominent figure in the National Football League (NFL) known for his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the game. He has served in various executive roles within NFL organizations, including general manager, director of player personnel, and consultant. Lombardi's wisdom stems from his years of working closely with coaches, players, and front office staff, as well as his ability to analyze and assess talent.

One of Lombardi's notable strengths is his keen eye for evaluating players. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of the physical, mental, and strategic aspects of football. His expertise in talent evaluation enables him to identify players who can make a significant impact on the field, whether through their physical abilities, football intelligence, or leadership qualities.

Lombardi's wisdom extends beyond player evaluation. He is highly regarded for his strategic thinking and decision-making skills. He understands the importance of constructing a well-balanced roster and implementing effective game plans. Lombardi's experience in building successful teams allows him to assess the strengths and weaknesses of various organizations, identifying areas for improvement and providing valuable guidance.

In addition to his football acumen, Lombardi is also known for his ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. He recognizes the importance of fostering strong relationships within an organization and creating a cohesive culture. Lombardi's wisdom lies in his ability to bring together individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives, encouraging teamwork and maximizing their potential.

Furthermore, Lombardi's wisdom extends to his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. He understands the importance of staying updated with the latest trends, strategies, and advancements in the game. This enables him to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

It is important to note that while Lombardi is respected for his wisdom, like any executive, he is not infallible. The NFL is a highly unpredictable and complex environment, and even the most knowledgeable individuals can make mistakes. However, Lombardi's extensive experience, strategic thinking, talent evaluation skills, and ability to foster collaboration have earned him a reputation as a wise and respected NFL executive. 

Lagniappe. Skill and development happen intentionally. 

Lagniappe 2. Improving your crossover. 

 

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