Any day now this book on the life and leadership of legendary football coach Bill Walsh will hit the shelves. You should be on line to buy it. I am always hesitant to review recent history as there is often the chance for self-inflation and a bit of revisionism. But the principles of leadership Walsh shares are timeless and the history merely the tableau for sharing them. The way he shares is impactful and memorable.

It will be impossible for you to read this book and not see yourself at some point. It will be further impossible for you to read this and not learn valuable lessons that you can apply on the job. Here are some examples for you:

People are the heart of an organization (Amen to that). His entire approach is based on that bedrock. While today withholding water in practice might be considered criminal, when Bill first started coaching it was routine. He abolished that practice. He believed if you treated people with respect they would want to excel for you. The word would get out and people would want to work for you. Attract great people and treat them well is a sure recipe for success in any endeavor and one I preach to all.

It is a tale of perseverance and setting the example. Of losing more than winning in the early years and of being second-guessed by anyone and everyone along the way, even after winning Super Bowls. He tells of despair following losses and of seasons but of mustering the will to fight again. Today, the will to fight again is a trait we could all benefit from.

Planning to perfection is one of the most important lessons we can all learn. I tell people all the time the power is in the planning not in the plan because we know the plan will not survive first contact with the enemy. However, in the planning we gain confidence and establish the “standards of performance” that see us to victory. He wanted a perfect appearance because that meant the details had been followed. Small details insure the big ones go well. As a United States Marine I stood my share of inspections and as an Officer of Marines I conducted an even greater share of inspections. I knew if we addressed all the details in training we would more likely succeed in battle. As a flight instructor I was uncompromising in my expectations, lives depended on it. Walsh effectively reminds us of these key concepts.

You will be reminded of praising in public, criticizing in private, to make sure culture precedes results, delegation, to have a support network and to be positive.

I could go on but I will leave it to you. The book is more a series of points and vignettes than long chapters which makes is an easy read. You can pick it up at any point and be well-served. If you are a football fan it is even better but any leader will benefit from The Score Takes Care of Itself.

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