The Whys and Hows of Lombardi and Wooden

Pursuit of Success

No one can argue that Vince Lombardi and John Wooden were both remarkably successful coaches. Coach Lombardi was a six time NFL championship coach, two time Super Bowl championship coach, two time NFL coach of the year, and pro football hall of famer. Coach Wooden was a ten time NCAA championship coach, 5 time AP college coach of the year, five time NABC coach of the year, and a college basketball hall of famer. Both Lombardi and Wooden experienced extraordinary coaching success with outstanding winning records and post season results. Both men were striving for and chasing perfection. Their similarities are striking. And so are their differences.

Pursuit of Perfection

Both Lombardi and Wooden were in pursuit of perfection. They also had similar feelings about perfection. Listen to how they spoke about perfection.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” Vince Lombardi.

“Perfection is what you are striving for, but perfection is an impossibility. However, striving for perfection is not an impossibility. Do the best you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts.” John Wooden.

Strikingly Similar

Both men were relentlessly driven and focused on the daily work to make their teams successful. They set their sights on perfection, a target just beyond reach but something to chase and strive toward. They knew that pursuit would help them catch excellence. They knew that pursuit is what counted most. It’s the process that matters. Putting in the time, working on the small details, focusing on small gains. Relentless, but quite different.

Strikingly Different

Vince Lombardi was known as being big and bold. He led his team like a tyrant. He was demanding and often harsh. One of his former players said, “he treats us all the same. Like dogs.” That is a HUGE statement! Lombardi certainly knew how to get the most out of his players, but he could be seemingly heartless in his pursuit of perfection. John Wooden was a teacher first. He had great expectations of his players, but his approach was highly relational. He was not known for big motivating speeches. He had continual, short bursts of feedback, but always treated his players with dignity and respect. One former player said, “he lived his life reflecting his Pyramid of Success.” That is a HUGE statement!

The Difference was the How, Not the Why

Looking at Lombardi and Wooden, I believe they both had the same “why.” I believe they both truly wanted to find success and to build men up. “How” they did that looked very different. Lombardi was a strong leader, and I think he did what he thought was best to teach men to be better men. Wooden was a strong leader, and he also was teaching young men to be better young me. The “why” was similar. The “how” of their leadership styles was strikingly different.

What is Our Why? What is Our How?

It’s important to consider what success looks like in our lives. We consider this by looking at is our why? Why do we do what we do? Then we need to consider how are we plan to pursue success. How are we going to catch excellence? How are we going to do what counts? Lombardi and Wooden are great examples of how consistent, hard work and attention to detail can lead to great success. They are great teachers of the “why” and the “how” of chasing and striving for perfection. So what does success look like for each of us? Today, let’s chase it. Today, let’s strive for it. Today, let’s remember the striking similarities and differences.

Have an awesome day!