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The Lombardi Rules: Twenty-Six Lessons from Vince Lombardi--The World's Greatest Coach
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.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
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January 14, 2020-Ask yourself tough questions
-Play to your strength
-Work harder than anybody
-Be mentally tough
-Demand autonomy
-Act, do not react
-Keep it simple
-Focus on fundamentals
-Chase perfection
-Run to win
these became my everyday question in the morning
-Play to your strength
-Work harder than anybody
-Be mentally tough
-Demand autonomy
-Act, do not react
-Keep it simple
-Focus on fundamentals
-Chase perfection
-Run to win
these became my everyday question in the morning
July 29, 2021
Its an exceptional book - no doubt. The key takeaways from this book for me which are a bit thought provoking are- 1. Teach to the slowest member of the team (in contrary to most business strategies) 2. Learn to master a small no. of plays but improve from there with minor corrections to learn more no. of plays 3. The vitality of having an ethical mindset 4. Importance of hard-work
#Recommended
Discovered this through Goodreads--> through the books that readers like you read recommendation
<3 <3 Goodreads!
#Recommended
Discovered this through Goodreads--> through the books that readers like you read recommendation
<3 <3 Goodreads!
July 21, 2018
I am probably biased as I am a Packers fan but this is a simply written book that every leader should read. Lombardi’s quotes are famous from a leadership and motivation perspective. Lombardi Jr.’s book uses some of these quotes to great effect when presenting the three stages of good leadership, namely self-knowledge, character, and goal setting. As Lombardi said “I would say that the quality of each man’s life is the full measure of that man’s commitment to excellence and to victory - whether it be football, whether it be business, whether it be politics or government, or what have you.”
November 1, 2013
A must have book for everyone.
April 5, 2021
The Lombardi Rules should be required high school reading so we don't produce a society full of adult cry babies and leaders of victimhood.
June 21, 2024
I was uselessly scrolling Facebook one day and came across an intriguing quote by Vince Lombardi. Wanting to learn more about the famous Packers Head Coach, I got a book of his quotes from the library. Wow! He was a very wise man. No wonder the super bowl trophy is named after him! After finishing this little book, I now want to learn more!
Pros: This book is a super easy and fast read. Each mini chapter is devoted to analyzing a Lombardi quote and how it can be used to better yourself and your organization. There are a lot of gems in here that we could all apply!
*
“If you cheat on the practice field, you’ll cheat in the game. If you cheat in the game, you’ll cheat the rest of your life.”
*
“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”
*
“Improvements in moral character are our own responsibility. Bad habits are eliminated not by others, but by ourselves.”
*
“Simplicity is a form of humility, and simplicity is a sign of true greatness. Meekness is a sign of humility, and meekness is a sign of true strength.”
*
The most important element in the character make-up of a man who is successful is that of mental toughness.”
*
“The successful man is himself. To be successful, you’ve got to be honest with yourself.”
Cons: It amazes me how shallow a “self-help” book is when it tries to explain integrity, character, leadership, and success without a Biblical foundation. Yes, there’s a lot of good principles in this book, but it could have been more meaningful if it looked at life lessons from Lombardi through the lens of the Author of all life.
Bottom line: a good supplementary book if you’re looking to build character and leadership. Nothing earth shattering, but just good to know.
Pros: This book is a super easy and fast read. Each mini chapter is devoted to analyzing a Lombardi quote and how it can be used to better yourself and your organization. There are a lot of gems in here that we could all apply!
*
“If you cheat on the practice field, you’ll cheat in the game. If you cheat in the game, you’ll cheat the rest of your life.”
*
“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”
*
“Improvements in moral character are our own responsibility. Bad habits are eliminated not by others, but by ourselves.”
*
“Simplicity is a form of humility, and simplicity is a sign of true greatness. Meekness is a sign of humility, and meekness is a sign of true strength.”
*
The most important element in the character make-up of a man who is successful is that of mental toughness.”
*
“The successful man is himself. To be successful, you’ve got to be honest with yourself.”
Cons: It amazes me how shallow a “self-help” book is when it tries to explain integrity, character, leadership, and success without a Biblical foundation. Yes, there’s a lot of good principles in this book, but it could have been more meaningful if it looked at life lessons from Lombardi through the lens of the Author of all life.
Bottom line: a good supplementary book if you’re looking to build character and leadership. Nothing earth shattering, but just good to know.
October 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book and it gave me lots of valuable information. I give this book five stars.
First I like Vince Lombardi Jr's characterization as he says “When you are grounded by the truth, you are the same person in private as you are in public.” ( Vince Lombardi Jr. 9)
Furthermore I like Lombardi Jr’s theme of inspiration as he gives a quote his father Vince Lombardi said which was: “Your greatest strengths as a leader are these qualities that are unique to you.” ( Vince Lombardi Jr. 14 )
In addition, I like the use of imagery the author used to show we must be prepared to sacrifice as Coach Vince Lombardi says “Without pain, turmoil, commotion, anxiety, stress, and tension, there is no growth, no change. You must pay the price.”
(Vince Lombardi, 34)
Additionally the use of characterization in the book is very important as it shows us how to be a better person, as the narrator says “Without a mission you have no basis upon which to formulate your vision.” (Vince Lombardi Jr, 64)
Lastly the use of motivation throughout the book shows that we just work hard to get to where we want to be as Coach Lombardi says “If you settle for nothing less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life.” (Vince Lombardi Jr, 91)
First I like Vince Lombardi Jr's characterization as he says “When you are grounded by the truth, you are the same person in private as you are in public.” ( Vince Lombardi Jr. 9)
Furthermore I like Lombardi Jr’s theme of inspiration as he gives a quote his father Vince Lombardi said which was: “Your greatest strengths as a leader are these qualities that are unique to you.” ( Vince Lombardi Jr. 14 )
In addition, I like the use of imagery the author used to show we must be prepared to sacrifice as Coach Vince Lombardi says “Without pain, turmoil, commotion, anxiety, stress, and tension, there is no growth, no change. You must pay the price.”
(Vince Lombardi, 34)
Additionally the use of characterization in the book is very important as it shows us how to be a better person, as the narrator says “Without a mission you have no basis upon which to formulate your vision.” (Vince Lombardi Jr, 64)
Lastly the use of motivation throughout the book shows that we just work hard to get to where we want to be as Coach Lombardi says “If you settle for nothing less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life.” (Vince Lombardi Jr, 91)
September 23, 2019
Quick easy to read book. I took 3-5 chapters each day, read then, tried to dissect and really understand each one. I liked this approach versus just flying through 15 chapters over 2 days and being done.
Lots of great topics and “lessons “ ...however many are very standard practices. Overall 4 out of 5 stars seemed appropriate.
Lots of great topics and “lessons “ ...however many are very standard practices. Overall 4 out of 5 stars seemed appropriate.
October 23, 2025
Had to read for my Communicating Ethical Leadership college course
Super simple, effective read about leadership around Vince Lombardi’s coaching style. Biggest thing is to understand that to have a successful team you need to put in the same, if not, more work than the other people in your organization. It takes serious commitment
Super simple, effective read about leadership around Vince Lombardi’s coaching style. Biggest thing is to understand that to have a successful team you need to put in the same, if not, more work than the other people in your organization. It takes serious commitment
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2018
Great reminders for all Coaches / Leaders, simple easy read
"If you settle for nothing less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life."
Lombardi said it simple but said and practiced his values very well.
"If you settle for nothing less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life."
Lombardi said it simple but said and practiced his values very well.
December 17, 2020
Excellent little book for its purpose. You could call it self help book on how to be a leader, a success or a good person. It gives a set of rules on how to mdake yourself better. There is much in here for everyone.
August 1, 2017
Useful
Good nuggets here and there throughout the book that can be used and directly applied to your life in many different areas.
Good nuggets here and there throughout the book that can be used and directly applied to your life in many different areas.
August 17, 2017
Great read. The advice is applicable to all areas in life.
March 14, 2018
It’s a good leadership and motivational book and I recommend it to anyone leading a team whether it’s a sports team, work team etc
April 16, 2018
Lombardi is not only the greatest football coach of all time, but he displays tremendous wisdom. A quick, but fabulous read!
November 6, 2018
Some interesting ideas but generally just very generic and anecdotal...
Nothing new in here.
Nothing new in here.
April 21, 2019
One of the best books on leadership period!
April 27, 2019
A crash course in leadership! Very handy and I d like to keep a copy handy
May 2, 2019
This is a must Read!
December 19, 2019
Great quick and easy read.
July 4, 2020
Great practical advice.
December 22, 2020
Good lessons, quotable take aways.
January 9, 2021
Some good points to take away that can be put into action
July 28, 2022
This man was good, whether on the field or off.
September 22, 2022
Great Strategy
Basic plan on how to properly lead. Simple, easy to understand and implement. If you want to be great this is the book
Basic plan on how to properly lead. Simple, easy to understand and implement. If you want to be great this is the book
September 14, 2023
Nuggets of knowledge in this book but not a ton of earth changing information. Does read fast because of short chapters and pretty to the point.
January 15, 2024
It's nice to read book with some wisdom words. But wish it was more of toward real life than sports. Although enjoyed this book.
January 3, 2025
Uno de los mejores libros sobre liderazgo
January 27, 2025
Very straight to the point with lots of good knowledge for life
August 5, 2024
Written by Vince Lombardi’s son, the book lays out 26 lessons from the “World’s greatest coach,” coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967, who won NFL championships in 1961-62 and 1965, as well as the first two Super Bowls in 1966-67. Some of my favorites:
"Play to your strengths. Strong people tend to have strong weaknesses.
Write your character. Lombardi was educated by Fordham’s Jesuits and West Point. Character is derived from words that mean “engraved” and “inscribed.”
Be completely committed. The Latin root for decision is “to cut away from,” as in an incision. Commit and you are cutting away all your other possibilities.
Start with why, not how.
While statistics are interesting, they’re all in the past."
Lombardi didn’t coin “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” It was actually UCLA football coach Red Sanders. But Lombardi lived it. A short read that gave me more insight on this famous coach.
"Play to your strengths. Strong people tend to have strong weaknesses.
Write your character. Lombardi was educated by Fordham’s Jesuits and West Point. Character is derived from words that mean “engraved” and “inscribed.”
Be completely committed. The Latin root for decision is “to cut away from,” as in an incision. Commit and you are cutting away all your other possibilities.
Start with why, not how.
While statistics are interesting, they’re all in the past."
Lombardi didn’t coin “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” It was actually UCLA football coach Red Sanders. But Lombardi lived it. A short read that gave me more insight on this famous coach.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews