On Time vs Lombardi Time
There is a clock overlooking Lombardi Avenue outside of Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers NFL team. The clock is set 15 minutes fast, on purpose.
Lombardi Avenue is named after the legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, who had a very specific view on time keeping, and the clock is set in his honour. Lombardi’s team won five NFL championships in seven years, including three straight wins, plus two SuperBowl wins.
Lombardi always told his players to arrive 15 minutes early for practice. Any later than that and they would be considered late. If they arrived after the start of practice then that was considered a disgrace and disrespectful to their fellow players and to their coach.
This concept has been immortalised as Lombardi Time and the clock memorialises that. Those who know, understand the importance Lombardi placed on something as seemingly small as being on time.
Let’s think about that concept though. I used to frequent a coffee bar not far from home and knew it opened at 9.00am so would regularly arrive just as the owner was opening the door for a great cup of freshly brewed coffee. He hired a new barista, who had to open up. He arrived for work just before 9.00am and dutifully opened up. However, I had to wait then until he had fired up the coffee machine and got the pastries out of the kitchen from the early delivery, so it was at least ten minutes before I received my morning coffee and pastry. Needless to say, the owner of the shop had a stern word with the new barista and from then on, he arrived at least 15 minutes early and ensured everything was perfect for the first customer of the day, every day.
How would those 15 minutes impact on you and your business? What difference would it make to your colleagues, customers and suppliers?
We operate on Lombardi Time in our business. Do you?
If you would like to make better use of your time and have more clarity and focus on your business goals, then contact your local business growth specialist, ActionCOACH Bolton.
