(2nd post)
Lou Holtz possesses leadership qualities much like many other successful leaders. However, Holtz’s ability to create a template implement it, then follow through sets him apart. This template includes ten steps, each having their own importance. Together these steps allowed Holtz to become successful in his endeavors. His philosophy on leadership is imbedded by a core belief of having a plan and setting goals to meet them. Along with this vision, faith also impacted Holtz’s life and successes. Moreover, it was important for Holtz to understand that adversity and sacrifice are as important as self-discipline and hard work in achieving excellence. According to Holtz (1998), “every adverse incident in my life has taught me a valuable lesson” (p. 29).
For Holtz, one of the major turning points in his life occurred in 1966. He was just hired as a defensive coach at South Carolina. Unfortunately for Holtz the head coach soon resigned and left. The new head coach did not rehire Holtz. With his savings account already at three digits and a third child on the way Holtz was at a crossroads with no income. This crossword left Holtz jobless for over a month giving him time for self reflection. This time proved to be productive and allowed Holtz to establish his goals and what he wanted to accomplish in life. Holtz had written down 108 items and has completed 99 of them to date (Holtz, 1998).
Holtz’s failures have played a major role in is overall success. Whether it was losing the big game, job, or promotion, Holtz was able to gain significant insight from these and move forward. At times Holtz also lost his vision and strayed from his core beliefs for short- term success. At other times he lost site of the big picture by looking out for himself instead of the goal. Throughout Holtz’s life, failure became a factor that could be added to his template of why he was successful. His ability to see failure and work to prevent it from happening again is a quality that has endured his legacy and a attribute to his success as a leader (Yaeger & Looney, 1993).
References:
Yaeger, Don, & Douglas (1993). Under the tarnished dome. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster.
Holtz, L (1998). Winning every day. New York, New York: HarperCollins.
Although very different, Lou Holtz, and my chosen leader, Abraham Lincoln, share many of the same leadership attributes. The most significant qualities that resonate from both them are dedication and passion. Both Lou Holtz and Abraham Lincoln identified an exigency they felt strongly enough about to pioneer change. Both did not accept the status quo of slavery and a failing notable team toiled. Rather, they persisted vehemently to not only remedy the problem, but also to develop and progress it. In conjunction with passion, Lou Holtz and Abraham Lincoln applied their ethic of critique to bring about positive influence and change.
ReplyDeleteI concur both of our leaders capitalized on their failures by learning from them. Both leaders ultimately learned something from their failures, but they acquired that knowledge by different means to the end. Abraham Lincoln lost his election and took advantage of the followers he subsequently gained from the exposure. Lou Holtz focused on learning from his individual mistakes to do better the next time. Abraham Lincoln and Lou Holtz did not allow their failures, in any capacity, to affect their purpose. Nevertheless, both leaders were resilient. Their failures molded them and their actions in strengthening and applying their leadership skills.
As a Notre Dame Football fan I have always held Lou Holtz in high regards and realize how good of coach he was. I always respected Lou Holtz as a coach. I feel respect is important for all leaders. Since I already respected him it was interesting to read more about him.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone fails I sometimes lose respect for them. I am not talking about simply talking about losing a game. I mean when someone fails by letting down their followers and losing sight of their goals. Your article has put losing in prospective. Before I know who Lou Holtz was he was a failure. He lost sight of his goals and still manage to be a great football coach. I did not know anything about him before he coached at Notre Dame.
After reading your article I realized that failures make you stronger. Lou Holtz leadership had a guiding vision that struggled at times. However, Holtz shows that someone can lose their way and it does not mean they cannot come back. That is good to know. It is comforting to see that he lost his vision and strayed from his believes and come back to be a strong leader. I feel I also lose sight of the big picture and sometimes and it is good to know I can come back and learn from my mistakes.
Lou Holtz is a very dedicated individual who does not give up, even when he has been unsuccessful. The ability to recover from failure is a key quality that all good leaders should possess. Many people have the capability to succeed and do well, but it takes a stronger person to recover from the experience of failure. Both Lou Holtz and Diana, Princess of Wales struggled in different parts of their lives. It is significant that they both learned from their mistakes and as a result became superior leaders.
ReplyDeleteBoth Lou Holtz and Diana, Princess of Wales had the determination to never give up and to keep trying. Even though they came from very different backgrounds and leadership positions, they still both understood the people they were working with and different points of view. Both of these leaders received the results they were striving for. Lou Holtz helped football players become better people and players, while Diana help charities and people live better lives.