Tag Archives: quitter

Why Vince Lombardi Was Wrong Once

Winners never quit and quitters never win.

~Vince Lombardi Vince Lombardi

Really? Really, Vince?  I beg to differ, depending on why and how you quit.  Let me explain.

Four years ago, I coached two people who were partners in a new venture.  We set up the business together and put together a doable, winnable action plan for their success.  After they launched the business they kept in touch.  They let me know about their triumphs, the television show episodes they were in, the really big sale they made.  It sounded as though they were on their way.

Then two weeks ago, I received a call.  They wanted to talk with me.  It was urgent.  Of course, I said “Yes.”

When they came into my office, they were jumpy and nervous.  Their business was bombing big time.  They could not stop the bleeding out of the money they had invested.  They decided to quit.  They both started to tear up a little.  They were thinking that I saw them as losers, while in fact, I saw them in an opposite light—I saw them as winners.  Here is why: they had applied all the principles of good business practice and yet sales were meager and were now, non-existent.  They forecast the probability of sales for the next 5 years and saw that the changed market did not support the level of sales they needed to keep them profitable.  I had to agree with them; the economy could not support there profit requirements.

I also saw them as winners because they were responsible about their employees.  Instead of leaving them to find other work, they found them jobs.  They also met with everyone who had supported them individually and let them know their decision.  That took “winner” guts since each person they saw reacted differently.

In the end, I sat with “winners” who had the courage to tell the truth to themselves and to others.  They had the courage to quit.  I am quite confident that they will start something new and win.

I am looking forward to hearing about your comments about this subject.