Vince Lombardi's Model of Leadership

In 1948, Vince Lombardi decided to leave Fordham University for The United States Military Academy in West Point and work for the legendary coach Col. Earl “Red” Blaik.

The choice came with significant apprehension.

Lombardi’s concerns had little to do with his knowledge of the game; they had everything to do with his understanding of himself.

What worried Lombardi the most was: Who was he?

As a 35-year-old, he traveled north along the Hudson River to West Point — still searching for answers about his individuality, identity and existence as a separate entity from others.

Cultivating a sense of self is typically a long process influenced by various factors, including social interactions, cultural background, personal experiences and cognitive development.

So Lombardi used a seemingly simple statement to fuel his understanding: “Only by knowing yourself can you become an effective leader.”

By examining these words, he created the “Lombardi Model” of leadership — emphasizing six areas:

1. Self-awareness: This is the foundation of a sense of self. It involves recognizing and understanding one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors and the ability to reflect on one's own experiences and actions.

2. Self-identity: This pertains to the stable and enduring aspects of a person's self-concept. This includes gender, ethnicity, nationality, occupation, interests and values, contributing to a person's unique identity.

3. Self-esteem: This refers to an individual's evaluation of his/her worth and value. It encompasses feelings of self-worth, self-confidence and self-acceptance. Positive self-esteem is associated with a stronger sense of self.

4. Self-image: It relates to the mental picture or perception an individual has of themselves, including their physical appearance, abilities and characteristics. Self-image is influenced by internal factors (thoughts and beliefs) and external factors (societal standards and expectations).

5. Self-reflection: This involves introspection and examination of one's thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Self-reflection helps individuals gain insight into their motivations, values and goals, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

6. Social context: Interactions with others and social relationships are crucial in shaping one's sense of self. The feedback, validation and acceptance from family, friends and society contribute to forming one's self-concept.

These six areas allowed Lombardi to gain the self-knowledge he needed to create his version of “I Am.”

Once he understood and appreciated his values, he established a foundation for his leadership style and his core beliefs.

Lombardi believed that before any leader could lead, he had to understand himself.

From self-knowledge, we develop the character and integrity to stand in front of our team members with true authenticity.