As I have been studying for a upcoming Captains test in the Fire Department I find that I am drawn to the leadership styles of great sports coaches. I know, weird. Vince Lombardi, John Wooden, Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and of course the great Lou Holtz. Most of you all know that I love Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, but especially the wit and wisdom of Lou Holtz....
Lou Holtz has some great stories and lessons. Coach Holtz had just taken the head job at a new school. On the first play of the season his team threw a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. He said his team was given a standing ovation from the crowd. It puzzled him and he thought his team’s fans were cheering for his opponent. Eventually he figured out that his team and his staff were given a standing ovation because they actually threw a pass on a first down. They were going for it, attacking and not playing to “not lose.” It had been a long time since the program he had taken over had thrown on first down. I love that story. Attack! Play to win. You might make mistakes but big deal; you will be way better off in the long run. Don’t wait around and hope success will fall on top of you if you wait long enough.
One of my favorite quotes is “When you see a person on top of a mountain, you know they didn’t fall there.” Go get it. Pass on first down.
Anyway, my random thoughts in between study sessions.....
