What Would Lombardi Think?

Think of only three things: your God, your family and the Green Bay Packers-in that order.

If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you'll be fired with enthusiasm

Winning isn't everything but wanting to win is.

Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.

Vince Lombardi

The first time Coach Lombardi met with his Green Bay Packer players he told them exactly what to expect. He also told them there there would be substantial roster turnover, they would be training, practicing and working harder than they ever thought possible. If they followed him, they would be champions. Their dominance under his leadership is legendary.

So what would Coach Lombardi think of how I onboard my employees?

In no way am I comparing myself to Coach Lombardi, but there are similarities in personality and expectations. We were both raised in ethnic families that embrace emotion and passion. Losing is a near death experience. Hosting your extended family for a meal is as close to heaven as you can get on Earth. We agonize over losses with the our families. We celebrate our victories with our families.

As early as a step in the interview process I will tell the prospective employee what I expect from them and what they can expect from me. It sin't as emotional as Lombardi addressing his TEAM, but it is far from the usual business conversation.

First, you should know I love what I do and am passionate about our company. I expect the same from you. The love and passion you bring to our work family will determine how I interact with you.

I will take a B grade employee that embraces our culture and makes the people around them better over a A+ superstar that thinks they are better than the rest. Of course a super star A+ performer is what we all should strive to be, but as long as you support our culture and help others get better, there will always be a place for you.

I will never get mad at you for making a mistake because you were trying to do the right thing. You'll get coached up when you do, but that is normal. We all need to get coached.

Make the same mistake a second time and you are going to be told you are responsible for learning from your mistakes. If the process is causing you to make this mistake, tell us about, but have a suggestion on how to improve it. That is the difference between an excuse and helping the company improve.

Make the same mistake a third time and my passion will kick in. In baseball, the third strike means you are out. Here, if your overall value to the company is greater than your third strike you will get another chance. Chances are you'll also get an earful from me.If you don't think that is fair or right, this isn't the place for you.

Making a mistake and trying to hide it is the last mistake you will ever make here. When you make a mistake, man up and tell us about it so we can fix it. Hiding it is the absolute worst thing you can do and is counter to our culture. It is cancer that must be cut out.

My door is always open as long as you are prepared. Time is our most precious resource. Don't waste your time or mine. The more focused, the more efficient we are the more productive we become. That will be reflected in many ways. The your compensation is tied to your productivity. Give us your all and when you need to take a few hours for personal reasons you won't have to ask. The objective is not to log the most hours. The objective to to do your best work and produce great results.

Would Coach Lombardi approve? I like to think he would. The real question is, do you approve.