This post is dedicated to one of the best leaders I know- My dad.
My dad is a true leader. Not only has my dad been a leader within our family and within our community all of my life, but he has also successfully run his own automobile business with over 250 employees for the past 35 years.
My dad leads by teaching, modeling, motivating, inspiring, and empowering others to be the best version of themselves. He leads with honesty, loyalty, humility, empathy, commitment, responsibility,vision, and a great sense of humor. He truly makes others feel valued, respected, and loved.
My dad credits his high school football coach and my mother for teaching him life lessons that have enhanced his character and greatly contributed to his successes. If you have ever heard that behind every great leader stands a great supporter, I will tell you that this certainly has been the case in my family- except that my mother stood beside my dad and often told him what to do- at home anyway. (Isn’t that right, Dad? We both know who the real boss is.) My father had my mother’s support and then some- every step of the way. It was always a team effort.
My dad loves God, his family, and telling stories about his old football days.
Here are some Lombardi quotes, Dad. I am sure that you are familiar with them all. I have been truly blessed to have been led by you and mom. What a great team you make.
Vince Lombardi Leadership Quotes
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
“Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.”
“If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win.”
“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.”
“Once you agree upon the price you and your family must pay for success, it enables you to ignore the minor hurts, the opponent’s pressure, and the temporary failures.”
“Leadership is based on a spiritual quality- the power to inspire.”
“A leader must identify himself with the group.”
“Leadership rests not only upon ability, not only upon capacity- having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it. His leadership is then based on truth and character. There must be truth in the purpose and will power in the character.”
Vincent Lombardi (1913-1970), one of the greatest football coaches of all times. Lombardi was the coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. His ability to motivate, teach, and inspire helped turn the Green Bay Packers into one of the most successful teams in the 1960s.
You were lucky enough to be born into an inspiring supportive family Kristin – that’s why you are the kind of person you are today I guess. It shows. 🙂 Great set of quotes by the way.
Thanks, Stuart. Enjoy your weekend!
Love this Kristen!
Thanks. 🙂
Your dad would like living where I live; 35 miles away from Titletown USA! Here in Wisconsin, it’s a state law that every conference room in every company must have inspirational quotes from ‘The Vince’ on every wall [or does it only seem that way?!]…
Oh yes- he probably would! It is just a little cold in Wisconsin. Can you see the ground yet? I hope that you are enjoying your weekend!
It’s all about teamwork, and, as a leader, getting the team to feel like working.
Yes, Anneli- teamwork!
This is great, Kristin. I think leadership is often misunderstood as a force derived from power or personality to be used for control when, as your dad understood, it is really the great privilege of motivating and equipping others to reach their potential. Love the Lombardi quotes too! Thanks, Judy
Judy, I agree. Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
A beautiful tribute! Your father sounds like a true gift in your life.
Yes, I have been very fortunate! Thank you so much for your kind words.
Wonderful post, Kristin! Have a great weekend! S
Thank you, Sloan. I hope that you have a great weekend, too.
Great post Kristin! Your Dad is a true leader in every sense. Both of your parents are. I still think of things they have told me like “When making decisions, always do what’s morally right” Seems obvious but at the time, the way they said it (different words I think) and the situation it was just what I needed to hear. And A few other pearls of wisdom that have stuck deep in the best ways. I hope they are healthy and doing great. And you too. 🙂
Andrea, Thank you so much for this. I was touched by your comments. We sure do go way back! Everyone is doing well. I hope the same for you and your family! Lets talk more soon. 🙂
Lovin your Dad…and I too know these Lombardi quotes. Parents can be so inspirational to their children, that is what I hear you saying about your Father…you are very lucky!
Yes- I am. Thank you so much, Tina.
Hi Kristin! I got to spend a weekend with your parents at the Eastern Shore (a long time ago!) when they accompanied Tree and Liz Rountree (now divorced) out to their home (I was employed by Liz as a personal assistant with her development job at WHRO and I also helped take care of their young child so I had gone over to “babysit” so the adults could have some fun! I wonder if your parents remember that! Also, my mother is so happy with her new car which she got at Barton Ford a couple weeks ago! She got a blue Edge and Jeff Hague was the salesman, who I think is new (but a very good friend of our family!) I always think about your dad when we go to a Tides game! What a nice online tribute to both your parents! Please tell them hello from Historic Edenton!
Katy Ebersole Edenton, NC 252-333-7026
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Katy, They remember this. Thank you so much for commenting here. It is great to hear from you. I hope that you are doing well and enjoying Edenton. Take care, Kristin
Beautiful post! It is wonderful to observe true leaders, like your dad, and learn from how they lead by bringing people along, motivating them and helping them to grow their capabilities to take on more responsibilities. I became very familiar w/ Vince Lombardi’s leadership philosophy during my coaching training at Cornell. He keeps inspiring! Unfortunately I have found that these excellent leaders are not found in every firm or organization, but I hope we’re growing more of them. Have a great weekend!
I hope that we are growing more of them, too. The secret to a good leader is empower rather than power over. (Bringing people up rather than pushing people down) Thank you so much for these comments. I am sure that you learned a lot at Cornell. Have a great weekend.
Thank you for your inspiring tribute to your Dad. We have something in common – loving parents who make a great team! Your Dad sounds like a very special man. What a gift to you and so many others.
Yes, we do. Thank you so much, Vicki.
What a tribute & blessing!
Thank you!
Great post about a great man…nice Kristin.
Thank you, David. Have a great weekend!
Now I see why you are such an amazing “helper” in your own life. You lead in a way that must make your Daddy proud that he is your hero!
Thank you so much. Your comments touched me. I hope that you had a terrific weekend!
Teamwork indeed! Your parents’ legacy says a lot about who you are and why you’re successful. I know I’ve already said it, but you are going to go far — I’m sure the rest of your team (a/k/a parents) know this too. 🙂
Happy Easter. Blessing to you and yours ! .
You, too!