Earlier this week I received an advanced copy of Michael Lombardi’s Gridiron Genius: A Master Class In Winning Championships And Building Dynasties In The NFL. With its official release on September 11th, this is the book I have looked most forward into reading this year.
The reason for my excitement is Lombardi, to my knowledge, is the only person to have worked for legendary NFL coaches/executives Bill Belichick, Bill Walsh, and Al Davis. His GM Street Podcast is one of my go-to resources for organizational development. That level of experience coupled with Mike’s storytelling ability makes this book a must-have resource for all leaders.
I am only 20 pages in but this book is already living up to the hype. If you have not yet pre-ordered your copy you can do so HERE of on my picture. Trust me, this book will be an incredible tool for business leaders as well.
On page 16, he provides The 17 Principles of Bill Walsh’s Standard of Performance. Check these out.
- Exhibit a ferocious and intelligently applied work ethic directed at continual improvement.
- Demonstrate respect for each person in the organization.
- Be deeply committed to learning and teaching.
- Be fair.
- Demonstrate character.
- Honor the direct connection between details and improvement; relentlessly seek the latter.
- Show self-control, especially under pressure.
- Demonstrate and prize loyalty.
- Use positive language and have a positive attitude.
- Take pride in my effort as an entity separate from the result of that effort.
- Be willing to go the extra distance for the organization.
- Deal appropriately with victory and defeat, adulation and humiliation.
- Promote internal communication that is both open and substantive.
- Seek poise in myself and those I lead.
- Put the team’s welfare and priorities ahead of my own.
- Maintain an ongoing level of concentration and focus that is abnormally high.
- Make sacrifice and commitment the organization’s trademark.
Lombardi concludes with the following statement – “His Standard of Performance wasn’t a way to define his genius; it was his genius.”
Once again, this book should be read by all leaders. Click HERE to pre-order your copy.
What is one thing you can implement from Walsh’s Standard of Performance which will make you a better leader?
My new book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is now available for purchase. If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you! By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you. This book is not to be read alone. Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence. Release date is March 13th. Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.