When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi

Amazon.com

As coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967, Vince Lombardi turned perennial losers into a juggernaut, winning back-to-back NFL titles in 1961 and 1962, and Superbowls I and II in 1966 and 1967. Stern, severe, sentimental, and paternal, he stood revered, reviled, respected, and mocked--a touchstone for the '60s all in one person. Which adds up to the myth we've been left with. But who was the man? That's the question Pulitzer Prize-winner David Maraniss tackles. It begins with Lombardi's looming father, a man as colorful as his son would be conservative. Still, from his father Vince Lombardi learned a sense of presence and authority that could impress itself with just a look. If a moment can sum up and embrace a man's life--and capture the breadth of Maraniss's thoroughness--it is one that takes place off the field when the Packers organization decides to redecorate their offices in advance of the new head coach's arrival: "During an earlier visit," Maraniss reports, "he had examined the quarters--peeling walls, creaky floor, old leather chairs with holes in them, discarded newspapers and magazines piled on chairs and in the corners--and pronounced the setting unworthy of a National Football League club. 'This is a disgrace!' he had remarked." In one moment, one comment, Lombardi announced his intentions, made his vision and professionalism clear, and began to shake up a stale organization. It reveals far more about the man than wins and losses, and is the kind of moment Maraniss uses again and again in this superb resurrection of a figure who so symbolized a sporting era and sensibility. --Jeff Silverman

Book Description

More than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of the American experience. The son of an Italian immigrant butcher, Lombardi toiled for twenty frustrating years as a high school coach and then as an assistant at Fordham, West Point, and the New York Giants before his big break came at age forty-six with the chance to coach a struggling team in snowbound Wisconsin. His leadership of the Green Bay Packers to five world championships in nine seasons is the most storied period in NFL history. Lombardi became a living legend, a symbol to many of leadership, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, and to others of an obsession with winning. In When Pride Still Mattered, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss captures the myth and the man, football, God, and country in a thrilling biography destined to become an American classic.

Download Description

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist illuminates the life and legend of the great pro football coach Vince Lombardi, in this textured and compelling biography of an American original. of photos.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best sports biographies I ever read.......2007-09-20

I couldn't help feeling that I was right there in frozen Green Bay, in the 1960s, at one of the Lombardis' Sunday post-game cocktail parties, and everywhere else Vince Lombardi went in his life, while reading this great book.
It's a great read, very vivid, about a great coach and (as Maraniss illustrates) not the greatest father in the world. In other words, a portrait of a human being who did great things with his work, but who had foibles like everybody else.

A very engrossing read.......2007-06-20

I picked up this book after hearing a strong recommendation. I knew next to nothing about Vince Lombardi, other than that he was an excellent football coach. Very glad I bought the book as this was a particularly engrossing biography.

The author was very thorough in his research and traces Lombardi's life in detail for his full nearly 60 years. He provides a lot of detail on Lombardi's strengths and weaknesses. At times I wanted to slug him and tell him to quit being so intense about football and pay more attention to his family. Other times, I found myself admiring the daylights out of him. It is astonishing to think he could take the most losing team in football and turn them into major winners in just one season.

There's a lot of food for thought in this biography. Is winning really so important that you should sacrifice your family and your health? Is success really success if you never enjoy it? As a recovering perfectionist, I saw many powerful examples from Lombardi's life about why I DON'T want to be a perfectionist! Nothing is ever good enough, and you never, ever get to be happy. That is one lesson in Lombardi's life that really comes blasting out of every story.

If you like biographies, you will really enjoy this one. Glad I decided to pick it up.

Jan Dahlin Geiger, author of "Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies" Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies

Biography of a Coach.......2007-04-12

This biography of Vince Lombardi will move you to tears and inspire you to find the best in others. Lombardi was truly a great teacher, coach, and man.

measure of a man.........2007-04-03

maybe the greatness of a man can be determined by his ability to inspire greatness in other men..by that account Vince Lombardi was a giant..maybe his tactics would not work as well with today's pampered athletes but I'm sure he would still find a way to inspire that's what the great teachers do..they not only teach about they're hired to..they teach about life..some of Lombardi's players to this day attribute their success on and off the field to the coach..I thought I knew so much about coach Lombardi but this book by David Maraniss filled me in on so many things I didn't know..Vince had a brother who was gay but he still went to church every day and never ostrasized his brother, he just figured the church got it wrong on this one..I read this book on a journey to Green Bay to visit Lambeau..I carried with me a picture of my dad shaking hands with Vince..but you don't have to be a Packer fan to enjoy and be inspired by this book..it's simply one of the best biographies I've ever read..even a Viking fan would enjoy it..as one of his ex-players recants..'there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss that man'...

A Man's Man. .......2007-02-20

I read Harvey Mansfield's Manliness last spring, and I have to say that Vince Lombardi embodies all of his criteria for the positive expression of masculinity. Coach Lombardi demonstrated the coveted male virtues of valor, devotion, passion, loyalty, and the need for victory. What's so telling about Maraniss's account is the way in which the narrator reveals to us slowly, but consistently, just how much the man meant to the people around him. A couple of the scenes with Starr and Hornung will choke you up--particularly the letter that Bart's dad sent to Lombardi. When Lombardi went to the Redskins, even though he was only with them for a year, he transformed the players completely. He walked up to the podium with a single ring on and restored their hope. Sonny Jurgensen had never possessed a leader's mentality before meeting Lombardi. In a single year's time, he led the team to a winning season and became a man admired for more than talent alone. For all of us who are devoted fans of the NFL, Coach Lombardi will always be remembered and treasured. I say this despite the fact that I have no use for the Green Bay Packers and have hated them since I was a kid. No matter, a man like this is above partisan loyalty. He's better than all that stuff. He could be gruff, angry, and harsh, but everyone around him (almost unanimously) still loved him because they could sense him love and devotion. He returned their love again and again. Vince Lombardi was a teacher, a coach, a tactician, a strategist, and a man's man, RIP.

What It Takes To Be Number #1: Vince Lombardi on Leadership

Average customer rating:

Great book
Great Book About Ethics
Beware of what you are buying
A Keeper
Even Teens will learn from this

What It Takes To Be Number #1: Vince Lombardi on Leadership
Vince Lombardi
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)
When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi
The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win
Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence
Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership

ASIN: 0071370609

Book Description

Legendary coach Vince Lombardi—loved by some, feared by others, but respected by all—was first and foremost a winner. Now, his son, Vince Lombardi Jr., reveals the bedrock principles behind his father’s legendary methods and explores the fundamental leadership qualities—character, mental toughness, and integrity—that Lombardi considered essential for success.

Download Description

In this inspiring book, Vince Lombardi, Jr. explores his father's leadership philosophy, and extracts powerful lessons about what it takes to be an effective leader.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-07-27

Vince Lombardi Jr. brings to the forefront his father's winning formula for success in leadership and everyday life. While many examples are spoken of in terms of football, the key elements that are always there is teamwork, teambuilding and producing results. This book will benefit anyone who wants to raise the bar in their personal or professional life. I particularly liked the reoccurring idea of running the drill over and over again until it becomes second nature. I also liked how Lombardi never discriminated against anyone but everyone was judged on their ability to produce results. Lombardi also brings to the forefront that the leader's job is never secure he or she must always keep producing results.

Last but not least, he talks in length about rejuvinating activities that can help one stay focused.

It's amazing that no matter how far advanced we get socially and technologically, the core of it all are the basic fundamental principles that our parents and grandparents taught us; Dedication, Hard Work, Loyalty and Honor.

In today's society where everything fundamental is under brutal attack, it's nice to read a book to where good, wholesome principles are once again proven to be the best way to success.

Great Book About Ethics.......2007-05-07

Like every book about leadership, you take what you think applies and leave the rest, but this book truly speaks about the ethics and moral values that people forget. Lombardi Jr. uses his father's words to illustrate that he believed that hard work and sacrifice are the ways to success. If you admired Lombardi and his style of leadership I think you will find this book very interesting.

Beware of what you are buying.......2006-09-17

This is not a reflection on the book itself, it is on the confusing information being presented. YOU MAY NOT BE BUYING THE FULL SIZE BOOK. I expected to get the full size 278 page book advertized. Instead I received a 109 page large print 2" X 2" miniature. The advertising on Amazon's page isn't very clear so be sure to ask the seller what you will get before you purchase.

A Keeper.......2005-03-07

To be honest, it's been a while since I've read this book, so I don't remember all the details . . . . Nonetheless, it seems that "What it Takes" is an accurate and exciting portrayal of Vince Lombardi and the reasons behind his success.

Even Teens will learn from this.......2002-10-30

I am 16 years old and I play on my high schools varsity baseball team. I feel this book has helped my outlook on my sports career, because some of his quotes are so true. Everytime I wake up at 5:30 to weightlift before school I remind myself "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." Just reading this book made me realize what it really takes to be #1. You can't be a sissy, you have to work for what you want. Any athlete who needs something to motivate them should read this book.

The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win

Average customer rating:

Not the same Vince Lombardi
Need Motivation! look Here

The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win
Vince Lombardi
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Coaching | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership
The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)
Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence
Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership
When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi

ASIN: 0071390960

Book Description

Vince Lombardi's views on life and leadership--inspiring and motivational--placed in A-Z format for the first time

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi left the national spotlight more than three decades ago, but his fiery words continue to resonate in today's hard-charging business arena. The Essential Vince Lombardi compiles Lombardi's most memorable quotes and phrases, alphabetically by topic, for use in speeches, memos, and documents--or just for fingertip inspiration and insight.

More than just a simple quote book, however, The Essential Vince Lombardi contains interviews from family members and associates, rare photographs, "Lombardi Lessons" for applying Lombardi's wisdom to everyday situations, and more. It places the leadership wisdom of Vince Lombardi in the context of today and is a valuable reference for businesspeople and Lombardi aficionados alike.

Customer Reviews:

Not the same Vince Lombardi.......2007-01-09

This is not the coach, someone with the same name, followed by "Jr.". Its about him, and uses his writings, but isn't authored by him. A little disappointing.

Need Motivation! look Here.......2003-04-11

The book, The Essential Lombardi is half a biography, and half quotes and speeches. The book was written by Vince Lombardi Jr. Vince Lombardi is a famous football coach, who coached the Green Bay Packers and led them to the first Super bowl. This book was a very good book, and I found it especially good, because in my eyes he is the best, ever! The book is very inspirational. Vince was all about pushing his players to go farther. He is recognized by so many. As a matter of fact, my whole football team knew who he was. This book is very good; I'd recommend it to anyone in sports. I give it 4 stars.

Average customer rating:

Male Bonding, Mystery Opponents.
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Inspirational
A Week in the Life of Vince Lombardi
An excellent in-depth look at a football coaches preparation

Run to Daylight!
Vince Lombardi
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi
What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership
Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer
Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke
Golden Boy

ASIN: 0137838522

Customer Reviews:

Male Bonding, Mystery Opponents........2006-11-06

In this book Lombardi's life is played out during a week as the patriarch of the Packers. He highlights in detail why they were a 60's dynasty. From the cycles of game planning, interactions with his team, you get to see Packer football from a new perspective. Despite his gruff exterior, it is crystal clear that he genuinely cared about his players on and off the field. This is not a how to coaching book or a biography. It is a slide snapshot that tells more than the reader expects.

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-12-28

Such a rare gem of a book, I was floored by it's great detail and was very happy with this book!! This 1963 publication written by Vince Lombardi, is sure to be missed by much of today's generation, and unfortunately so. Lombardi SHOWS why his Packers were the 60's greatest football dynasty, and how his life plays out during a week as the leader of the Packers. This is an absolute MUST read by ANY real football fan!!!

Inspirational.......2004-05-11

Vince Lombardi's dedication and devotion transcended football. His quotes are used all the way from the high school locker room to the corporate board room.

This diary is Lombardi in his own words. It covers his views of the weekly cycle of planning for battle, preparing for battle, and then the football game itself.

Packer fan or motivational fan - this book is an easy read worth the several hours to get cover to cover.

A Week in the Life of Vince Lombardi.......2003-11-14

This book is mandatory reading for football fans, particularly fan of the Green Bay Packers. Some of the ideas about this book are misleading. However, it is still a great read.

This book is not a biography of Lombardi or a guide on how to coach football. This book does give readers insight as to what it was like for Lombardi during his coaching tenure. Based on technology alone, there are great differences now. The readers get to see all of Lombardi's preparation for the mystery opponent in silver uniforms.

Several of Lombardi's famous quotes are included. Lombardi also discusses specifc intereactions with players as well as a number of interesting stories about various players. Despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cares about his players. When the book arrives at game day, you get to see the game form Lombardi's perspective. It is a real treat for football fans.

If you have read other books about the Packers during this era, you are not likley to learn many new facts. Many of the facts in here are credited as a primary source in other books. However, you do get to see Packer football from a new perspective.

An excellent in-depth look at a football coaches preparation.......1999-08-02

Run to Daylight was published in 1963 and was instantly recognized as a classic. Written by legendary Green Bay Packer head coach Vince Lombardi, RTD details Lombardi and the Packers preparation for an unnammed opponnet in the 1962 championship season. The book is a must read for the aspiring coach or anyone interested in pro football coaching. RTD provides the psychological motivation of both the players and coaches and a highly readable account of a week in a pro football season. Along with John Wooden's "They Call Me Coach", this is a must read for coaches of any sport.

Winning Strategies (Audio Success) (Audio Success)

Average customer rating:

Overall, Fantastic!
Winning Strategies - Audio Success
Thorough... and diverse:

Winning Strategies (Audio Success) (Audio Success)
John Maxwell , and Vince Lombardi
Manufacturer: Topics Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Verbal Command: Expand Your Vocabulary & Verbal Acuity (Audio Success)
Leadership: Motivation & Inspiration from Today's Top Success Coaches (Audio Success Series) (Audio Success Series)
Sales Success: Motivation From Today's Top Sales Coaches (Audio Success Series) (Audio Success Series)
Investing & Wealth Management (Audio Success Suite)
Leadership (Audio Success Suite)

ASIN: 1591507650

Product Description

Winning Stategies Featuring: John Maxwell Rich Fettke Chris Widener Vince Lombardi Jr. 13 Audio CDs 2 Bonus DVDs Inspiration and Coaching for Personal Success. CD 1 Tracy Williams - Nationally acclaimed speaker and television personality. Dont Stop Till the Casket Drops! Persistence in winning CD 2 John Maxwell - Best-selling author and renowned speaker on the topic of finding personal success. Winning is an Inside Job CD 3 Rich Fettke Best selling author and Renowned success coach on the topic of reaching your goals. Momentum: Creating Focused Action Toward What Really Matters CD 4 Hans Florine - World-record breaking competitor and gold medal winner. Speed is Power! CD 5 Tom Flick Former Rose Bowl Champion and Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year. Unlocking Our Potential to Achieve & Succeed Creating belief systems that allow us to be successful Setting the climate for commitment Envisioning the vision CD 6 Chris Widener Success coach to top political figures and professional athletes. In It to Win It: Winning at the Game of Life CD 7 TC Cummings Former Navy SEAL and current Master Coach of the Jim Rohn International Coaching Program. Overcoming Self-imposed Limitations CD 8 Joe Malarkey - The Worst Motivational Speaker in America - Award-winning comedian and writer who stresses life is too important to be taken seriously! CD 9 Theo Androus Peak-performance authority and Ironman competitor. The Unbreakable Human Spirit CD 10 Denis Waitley - Productivity consultant, counsel to businesspeople and athletes. Psychology of Winning in the 21st Century CD 11 Jennifer Rousseau Sedlock Marathon runner and inspirational speaker to over 70 organizations. Running Towards Your Dream CD 12 Mike Robbins - Former professional baseball player an expert in teamwork. The Power of Appreciation and the Keys to Creating a Championship Team CD 13 Dr. David Cook Sports psychologist and PGA, NFL, NBA, and MLB counselor.

Customer Reviews:

Overall, Fantastic!.......2006-09-21

This CD set really covers a broad spectrum of strategies to improve the quality of your life and those around you. Nearly all of the CDs and their messages were relevant to my life. In actually practicing their messages, I found an immediate and satifying improvement in my outlook on life as well as in interpersonal relations. (and I generally dislike...ok, HATE self help type books and audio CDs). The speakers are all good, and many are excellent.

It's all common sense, but having it re-iterated and put together was more than helpful.

Although this was a gift, I would gladly spend $50 on it knowing what I know about it now. It would make a great gift, too.

Winning Strategies - Audio Success.......2006-05-11

What a great value! I'd be hard pressed to find so many big name speakers leaders all in one place. The John Maxwell CD is a great CD on winning, as is the Dr. Cook CD about his experience coaching PGA touring professionals.

Thorough... and diverse:.......2005-12-27

Wow! Quite eclectic in its collection of authors. Though most won't agree with every one of the authors, everyone will find something in this collection. It is great for getting motivated and helping strategically plan the "next step" towards your success. Great stuff!

Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence

Average customer rating:

Lombardi Great
A great book for anyone, not just a sports fan
Do You Want to Be and/or Remain a Winner?
Poor reading rip-off of Strive to Excel Lombardi book
Changed my life!

Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence
Ed Gary George
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Reference | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership
The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)
The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win
Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership
When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi

ASIN: 0062702157

Book Description

Vince Lombardi's uncanny ability to motivate and his unstoppable drive to succeed have made him the standard against which all NFL coaches are measured. Winning Is a Habit captures the charisma of the legend whose no-loss attitude in football was also his attitude in life.

Winning Is a Habit is divided into 11 subject categories -- from faith to football, from winning to racism, from family to business to himself -- reflecting the diversity of his insights and the power of his words.

Vince Lombardi taught that success in football and in his life is built on perseverance and hard work, lessons that continue to apply today.

Customer Reviews:

Lombardi Great.......2005-08-30

I enjoy this book becasue it is all the great Lombardi quotes. Which I have always found to be inspiring. I like that in some they origin was there to explain the quote.

A great book for anyone, not just a sports fan.......2001-06-08

Full of laughs and in-depth knowledge of the competitive spirit, this book shows the flaws as well as the greatness of Vince Lombardi, and also in ourselves. One of my favorites: "The quality of a person's life is directly proportional to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." This could be used even in a classroom environment as a point of discussion for lessons on the price of winning, and integrity.

Do You Want to Be and/or Remain a Winner?.......2000-04-01

Looking for great quotes, and not a storyline? Here they are. The areas represented and the sagacity of the quotes conferring the essential kernals of Vince Lombardi's thought and personal philosophy are at times stupendous. The major flaw is, I believe, the way he is characterized in the section: "The of Wrath of Lombardi." It is this section which I think pulls the book down, because it shows a part of him that is not consistent with the way he is portrayed, by virtue of the various quotes, in the other sections either before or after. In other words, it gives the impression, that although he may have said these things, they could be out of context and not truly representative of him as a person. Other than that, there are things in here we all need to hear from time to time; or even all of the time. It is a wonderful memory of a trememdous motivator and personal achiever who followed his dream and obtained it. His legacy, conveyed to us in these marvelous quotations, is that all persons can overcome fear, cowardice, impulsivity, etc., and be winners in our own personal lives--and by doing so, encourage others to do and be the same.

Poor reading rip-off of Strive to Excel Lombardi book.......2000-03-30

This book is a poor rip-off of Jennifer Briggs' much classier Strive to Excel: The Wit, Will & Wisdom of Vince Lombardi. George is a politician with book editor connections, not a writer--and it shows in his clumbsy writing and diction. Briggs' Strive to Excel is a much better read on Lombardi. And I'd expect it to be. She's an award-winning sportswriter who's written for USA Today, SI, etc. Buy Brigg's book, not George's fluff.

Changed my life!.......1999-05-03

I had heard from my Coach about Vince Lombardi and after reading this book of quotes I became inspired. I realized the things I had to change in my life in order to become a winner. This is an excellent book and a great comfort to me when I am feeling unmotivated.

Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership

Average customer rating:

Phillips is an excellent leadership biographer

Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership
Donald T. Phillips
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

jp-unknown1 | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership
The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)
The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win
Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence
When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi

ASIN: 0312303084

Book Description

Vince Lombardi is not only renowned in the sports world, but also in business and industry for his exceptional leadership skills.With nine playoff victories in a row and two Super Bowl wins to his credit, Lombardi became the standard by which great coaches were measured. In Run to Win, acclaimed author Don Phillips examines his famous coaching style and demonstrates why and how it can be applied to todays business world.

Download Description

In RUN TO WIN, acclaimed author Don Phillips examines the leadership style of the legendary Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins coach, Vince Lombardi.

Customer Reviews:

Phillips is an excellent leadership biographer.......2006-02-07

Donald T. Phillips has taught me a few things about leadership. He showed me the unique leadership abilities of Abraham Lincoln. He demonstrated the necessary leadership of the United States' Founding Fathers. He summarized the amazing leadership influence of Martin Luther King, Jr.

And now, he's introduced me to the behind-the-scenes leadership characteristics of Vince Lombardi.

In his book, Run To Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership, Phillips combines biography with commentary to demonstrate the foundational impact that Vince Lombardi had on the Green Bay Packers and on professional football. Vince Lombardi is a man whom many consider to be "the greatest football coach in the history of the sport...being both a household name and an icon."

Phillips divides the book into four categories: Starting Out, Building Trust, Routine, and Character. One of the things that I love about Phillips style is that he gives great real-life content. Every chapter is full of snapshots of Lombardi's life. Phillips has really done his homework, even going as far as getting the endorsement of the daughter of Pete Rozelle, Anne Marie Rozelle Bratton and Lombardi's son, Vince Lombardi, Jr.

In the chapter titled, Sell Yourself, a Lombardi quote opens the theme (quotes are plentiful in this book, and there are always a couple of key ones at the beginning of each chapter):

"You have to sell yourself to the group. And in order to sell yourself to the group, there is no way you can be dishonest about it. Therefore, what you sell has to come from your heart, and it has to be something you really believe in."

Then the chapter breaks into a story by one of Lombardi's players, Forrest Gregg, about the first practice that Lombardi had with the Green Bay Packers. Coaches in the past had let certain slackers slide and loaf through practice, but not Vince. When one of the receivers, who had a history of taking it easy, didn't run a route to Lombardi's liking, the coach was in his face all the way back to the huddle.

Phillips does a good job of summing up each chapter at the end by including a box entitled: Lombardi Principles. Phillips has tremendous insight as to what makes for good leadership practice and does a great job of pulling practical, transferable, wisdom from Lombardi's life. For example, at the end of the chapter entitled, Keep Things Simple, the Lombardi principles include:

* Listen to the members of your team - and then simplify your system so it can be easily rememberd and implemented.
* Wherever possible, reduce your explanation of complex matters to two fundamental things.
* For more complicated subjects, present a visual image for the team to concentrate on.
* Don't encumber your players with a lot of rules. Give them the freedom to act on their own under game situations.

One of my favorite chapters is probably one of the shortest: Learn, Teach, Practice. The chapter seems to sum up what made Lombardi great. One of the comments from Lombardi's wife says it best:

"When Vin gets one he thinks can be a real good ballplayer..., he will just open a hole in that boy's head and pour everything he knows into it."

I enjoyed the book's honesty. What I mean by that is you saw a clear picture of Lombardi - both on and off the field, the good and the bad, the good times and the bad times. Lombardi was far from perfect, and over time, the memory of Lombardi's stature can become more myth than reality. Phillips does a good job of showing us the areas where Lombardi struggled and the demons he wrestled with. He had a ferocious temper, he would often rub people the wrong way, he was abrasive, and he wore his emotions on his sleeve. But Lombardi was always quick to apologize whenever he realized that his darker side had gotten the best of him.

Most young people today don't have the privilege to have seen Lombardi coach, to see him win Super Bowls, to recognize his impact on the NFL. Phillips has given us a wonderful glimpse into the life of a special man who exemplified tremendous leadership in his field (and on his field for that matter).

Near the end of the book, another Lombardi quote offers motivation for those of us striving to be the best that we can be...

"The quality of a man's life has got to be a full measure of that man's personal commitment to excellence and victory, regardless of what field he may be in."

The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)

Average customer rating:

Short but powerful book with a lot of useful information!
Great book for employees, employers, players and coaches.

The Lombardi Rules (Introducing the McGraw-Hill Professional Education Series)
Vince Lombardi
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Coaching | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Health, Mind & Body | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Sports | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership
The Essential Vince Lombardi : Words & Wisdom to Motivate, Inspire, and Win
Winning Is A Habit: Vince Lombardi on Winning, Success, and the Pursuit of Excellence
Run to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership
When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi

ASIN: 0071444890

Book Description

Vince Lombardi is considered by most to be the greatest NFL coach ever. His leadership and motivational skills drove the Green Bay Packers to four NFL titles in seven years, an amazing record that has yet to be equaled. The Lombardi Rules examines the strategies and techniques that Lombardi followed to achieve his unprecedented success. Especially valuable in today's take-no-prisoners business environment, it provides an insider's look at Lombardi's remarkable methods and how they can be transformed to any field or endeavor.

Download Description

"Vince Lombardi - loved by some, feared by others, but respected by all - was first and foremost a winner. The greatest sports coach of his time, perhaps of all time, Lombardi was also a thoughtful man with uncommon passion, a motivator with uncompromising values, and a leader with unprecedented wisdom and authority. More than three decades since Lombardi's untimely passing, his words continue to resonate. In The Lombardi Rules, Vince Lombardi Jr. examines many of his father's most celebrated quotes to reveal the bedrock principles behind his legendary success."

Customer Reviews:

Short but powerful book with a lot of useful information!.......2006-03-07

C. THE LOMBARDI RULES by Vince Lombardi Jr. is a
short but powerful book that has a lot of information in it that can be
used by coaches, business executives and just about anybody else
looking to succeed in today's world.

The author, whose father led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL
titles in seven years, compiled several of Lombardi's most
famous quotes; for example:

I would say that the quality of each man's life is the full measure
of that man's personal commitment to excellence and to victory--whether
it be football, whether it be business, whether it be politics or
government.

He then transformed the quote into a rule, such as: Be
Completely Committed . . . and after a brief discussion
of what it meant, Lombardi Jr. showed various techniques
to implement the rule in any organization.

In the case of how to up the "commitment quotient," he
suggested:

Start with yourself: Inspire those around you with your own level
of commitment. When leaders go the extra mile, their troops will
follow.

Talent only gets you so far: A person with 100 percent ability
and 50 percent commitment can throw a wrench into the whole
system through inattention, inconsistency and laziness.

Weed out the uncommitted: The organization that wins is
populated by winners. Weed out the uncommitted and get
the last 10 percent out of everyone.

A cute cartoon that accompanied each chapter also added
to my enjoyment of THE LOMBARDI RULES.

Great book for employees, employers, players and coaches........2004-01-02

The Lombardi Rules provides an insiders look at Lombardi's extroidinary methods and shows you how to adapt and adopt those methods for leadership success in your own career.
Pages 53 paperback

Exerpt Favorite chapter Page 1-2
"The Lombardi code is founded on the belief that you can only become a leader after developing your character-that is, after building integrity, honesty, and commitment. The way to develop these attributes is through self-knowledge. You can't improve what you don't understand.....The first steps on the road to self-knowledge involve asking ourselves the tough questions."

The employee handbook for enhancing corporate performace.
Table of contents
1. Ask yourself tough questions.
2. Look the straight truth on.
3. Play to your strengths.
4. Write your character.
5. Think big picture.
6. Be Completely committed.
7. Work harder than everybody.
8. Be prepared to sacrifice.
9. Be mentally tough.
10. Balance humility and pride.
11. Lead with Integrity.
12. Build team spirit.
13. Explain the whys.
14. Strike the balance.
15. Build confidence.
16. Use your mission.
17. Know your stuff.
18. Demand autonomy.
19. Respect legitimate authority.
20. Act, Don't React.
21. Keep it simple.
22. Chase perfection.
23. Tailor your motives.
24. Motivate by degrees.
25. Focus on fundamentals.
26. Run to win.

Lombardi and Me: Players, Coaches, and Colleagues Talk About the Man and the Myth
Average customer rating:

Lombardi's shadow continues to be cast upon those who will listen.

A bit sloppy

Good Book for a Green Bay fan

Lombardi and Me

It May Be Good for Some

Lombardi and Me: Players, Coaches, and Colleagues Talk About the Man and the Myth
Paul Hornung , and Billy Reed
Manufacturer: Triumph Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
Professional | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Lombardi, Vince | ( L ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer

Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography The Story of Wisconsin's All-Time Winningest Coach

Golden Boy

What It Takes to Be #1 : Vince Lombardi on Leadership

Johnny U: The Life and Times of John Unitas

ASIN: 1572438657

Book Description

Vince Lombardi remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in professional football more than 35 years after his death. Like many other men of his stature, he is also something of a mystery to those outside of his intimate circle. Hall of Fame player and Lombardi favorite Paul Hornung enlisted his old teammates and others who are a part of the NFL or closely associated with the coach to share their most personal thoughts and reminiscences about the greatest coach who ever lived.

Customer Reviews:

Lombardi's shadow continues to be cast upon those who will listen........2007-02-12

Would have enjoyed more of Lombardi, Jr.'s, and Hornung's words. Some of the offerings were better skipped. Overall the book was a keeper. Lombardi's own speeches have been reread many times. Makes you realize how little leadership there is in the current majority in Congress.

A bit sloppy.......2007-01-17

I have respected Paul Hornung's contributions to football and appreciate his perspectives. This is a well meaning book with some new recollections on Vince Lombardi--they help to provide additional insight into the coach and demonstrate the personal impact he had on his players and others that knew him. There are plentiful photos, most of Hornung and Lombardi ( most published before). However, this book is in need of better formatting and editing. First much of this book appears to based upon one or more of the subjects in a room and having their recollections taped. Their recollections appear to be transcribed as spoken. So you have someone referring to "you" or "you Paul" which reads awkwardly. Hornung then comments on each person who has shared their recollection. Some of these comments are just repeats of what the person said, others bring some insight into the player but not much. It would have been much better to have Hornung, summarize at the end of the book those recollections that especially resonated with him or better yet present a more detailed account of his encounters with the coach. Repeating each chapter title with for instance, Jerry Kramer on Lombardi, then, Jim Taylor on Lombardi, etc. is repetative and unnecessary.The title of the book is also misleading, it implies that the book is really about Hornung and Lombardi (yes I read the byline) when it really is about Players & Friends Remember Lombardi. The"farewell" speech by lombardi does not have any annotation so we do not know where or when and the context in which his comments were made. The farewell speach also contains an editing error where one sentence is repeated twice. Notwithstanding the issues noted, being a Packer fan, this was good read...

Good Book for a Green Bay fan.......2007-01-05

The book was a little slow at points but if you grew up loving the Packers in that era it is a must read. Anything with Paul Hornungs name on it will sell in Green Bay.

Lombardi and Me.......2007-01-04

i enjoyed the book very much. Vince Lombardi was my favorite coach and a man to look up to and admire. The book gives insight from his players who knew him intimately.

It May Be Good for Some.......2007-01-03

Let me begin by saying I am not a Packer fan. I am a football fan and have always admired Vince Lombardi and his coaching expertise. This book never pulled me in. I labored to read it. It may be someone else's cup of tea, but not mine.

Average customer rating:

Run to Daylight!
Vince with W.C. Heinz Lombardi
Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NOYSSS

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books