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LOMBARDI?S LEADERSHIP FLAWS
Age of Champions: A Critical Look at the Leadership Flaws of Vincent Lombardi
LTC Jerome S. Morrison II
University of Louisville
Dr. Carpenter
ELFH 490-91
May 15, 2015
Introduction Vince Lombardi became the head coach of the Green Bay Packers on February 2, 1959. Taking over a team that won one game the previous year, Coach Lombardi turned the Packers into a football powerhouse until his departure after the 1967 season. In his tenure of nine years, his team won over 75% of their games, posted an impressive 9 and 1 record in the playoffs, and won five NFL championships. Shortly after his death in 1970 from colon cancer, the NFL named the championship trophy after Lombardi. Many fans, sports figures, and managerial leaders consider Lombardi a great leader. This paper takes a critical look at Lombardi?s leadership style through the lens and teaching of Developing Management Styles. Many of the concepts and theories in the text are new and were not readily used or available in Lombardi?s time. However, in the rush to herald the coach as a consummate example of leadership, critics overlook the many flaws of the man. This paper will discuss some of his imperfections and provide lessons learned.
Discussion
The first leader area where Vince
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(p. 376). The board challenged Lombardi, and Lombardi won, leaving him alone to determine the way forward for the Packers. While effective in the short-term, it did not foster team building or collaboration, nor lead to long term success in the Packers. Lombardi?s intolerance for dissention contributed to the team?s downfall when he departed because he failed to foster a supportive and developing atmosphere for his