Comments on: Urban Meyer is a Lean Leader (and Go Gators!)

By: Rick Foreman

Rick Foreman — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:46:57 +0000

Much like Toyota, what flows down from the top, in leading lean usually takes you to the top and keeps you there. Obviously, Meyer is a key component of that success and truly depicts the cultural and people side of lean leadership. Unfortunately for my beloved Sooners, we keep getting to the big game but not winning. It reflects that some processes, although consistant, may not be the best ones to set you apart like Toyota or Florida. Congrats to the victors and two in a row looks more than possible for next year.

By: Digital

Digital — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:26:06 +0000

Congrats to the Gators for winning another title. You’re right about UM being lean….I guess most coaches aspire to lean leadership now that I think of it. But very few coaches get the talent pool of UF, so they’re forced to deal with specialized role players, and short-term success at any cost.

By: Matt Stambaugh

Matt Stambaugh — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:15:19 +0000

Great post Mike! I think you will find much the same results (two in in row?!) when you check back next year, especially now that Tebow will officially play his senior year. Thank you Jeebus for Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer.

What about Billy Donovan? Would you classify him as a lean leader?

By: Ron Pereira

Ron Pereira — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:51:13 +0000

Jeesh, I am not sure how much more of this Urban love fest I can stand! Ha! Just kidding all… you guys have a right to feel proud of your coach. He’s a good man and Tebow is a good kid.

By: Sean Levy

Sean Levy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:52:11 +0000

Lombard- I am surprised that you failed to mention how Meyer recognizes his key players “employees” by using creative methods. He has what is know as the Champions Club for players who exemplify what a student athlete should be. He also places a premium on the guys who play special teams by allowing them to eat first at team meals and giving them the newest gear/equipment first. He is an extremely creative guy when it comes to keeping his guys motivated.

By: Michael Lombard

Michael Lombard — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:17:14 +0000

As I have already demonstrated with my significant girth, being a Lean guy (capital L) is not the same as being a lean guy (lowercase L). I’ve heard that joke wayyyyyyy to many times.

And as Urban Meyer goes, he is a great coach. I believe he is so successful because he applies the same thinking style to his football operations as Toyota does to their business operations.

For a newcomer to Lean thinking, here’s the one-line summation: Respect for the human ability to generate improvement, and a constant focus on eliminating waste in all forms.

As a recruiter, Meyer looks for players who are willing to learn and improve. As a coach, Meyer focuses on eliminating needless mistakes in the less appreciated phases of the game.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:59:11 +0000

I think there’s an Mark Mangino joke somewhere missing from your post. I’m new to the lean philosophy, but if what you are saying is that Urban Meyer is the greatest coach in all of college football then I wholeheartedly agree.