Coaching Greatness: An Application of Authentic Leadership Development Theory to Wooden and Lombardi

Abstract

Authentic leadership development theory is applied to examine the success achieved by two of the greatest coaches in the history of elite level American sports: John Wooden and Vince Lombardi. Authentic leadership development theory posits authenticity in the leader as a key ingredient in the success of corporate endeavours. Their authentic leadership fosters greater willingness on the part of followers to act in ways that serve the interests of a mutual vision of an organisation’s values and mission. At its best, the product of this interplay – or authentic leadership development – is long-term performance that consistently exceeds expectations. Wooden and Lombardi were doubtless authentic leaders whose incredible record of achievement can be understood in significant measure through the lens of authentic leadership development theory. Introduction In 2009, Sporting News published its list of the 50 greatest coaches of all time (Day, Iyer, & Boswell). John Wooden was at the top of the list. Vince Lombardi came in as the highestranking football coach and number two overall. With both men managing to achieve legendary status during their coaching days – a status that has only grown to mythological proportion following their retirements and subsequent deaths – it is hard to argue with those names. Wooden’s greatness was forged on the hard courts of UCLA basketball during the 1960s and early 1970s. The Bruins of UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) were, and remain, an elite level basketball program that competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. His record of success as UCLA’s head coach is as remarkable today as it was back then – ten national basketball championships in 12 years, including seven in a row, during which time the team put together an unprecedented winning streak of 88 games (UCLA, 2006). Lombardi’s mark was also made during the 1960s, as the head coach of professional football’s Green Bay Packers. Between 1959, his first year at the helm, and 1967, his last, Lombardi’s Packers won five championships, including three straight, losing only one of ten post-season games in the process (Pro Football, n.d.). The National Football League’s (NFL) Super Bowl trophy is named in his honour. No doubt, Wooden and Lombardi excelled at the fundamentals of their respective sports. Coupled with their ability to teach – both had been high school teachers in their early careers – they fashioned teams during their professional coaching tenures renowned for their technical proficiency and near flawless execution. But more than this, Wooden and Lombardi were regarded then, and are revered today, as great leaders. Michael O’Brien JOSEPH MARTINO, J.D. MINISTRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL