On Product Development and More...

Vince Lombardi used to begin every new season with his "Gentlemen, this is a football" speech. He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed.

Why would Lombardi begin each season with something so elementary? After all, he was delivering this speech to players who had played the game for many years prior. But, he recited this year in and year out. Even following the year that his team (the Green Bay Packers) won the first Super Bowl ever played.

Clearly, Lombardi understood that successful execution always begins with the basics - blocking and tackling. Just as importantly, Lombardi understood that he, alone, was responsible for creating that set of circumstances on the field which would ultimately enable his team to win.

Great leaders (in the business world and otherwise) understand precisely what is required to achieve success. Focus on the basics and put the team in a position to win. Seems pretty straightforward.