Why Do We Keep Score?
“If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do we keep score?”
— Vince Lombardi
I am dedicating this week’s Fundamental to the late, great Vince Lombardi.
Why?
College football season is almost here, and I’m so excited!!
My favorite sport to watch is college football, and I am passionate about my alma mater, the University of Texas Longhorns. It’s not just the thrill of the game, the tradition, and the fun of the competition that have me loving this sport. It’s watching a group of people who have to depend on each other to achieve the results.
So, why do we keep score?
We are motivated by tracking measurable outcomes.
What’s more motivating for a team that is down by seven points in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter? How many times have we witnessed incredible fourth-quarter comebacks?
That’s why we keep score.
But keeping score isn’t only about knowing whether you won or lost. It tells you where you are, what is working, and what needs to happen next.
The final score matters, but so do all the small results that lead us there. Measurement becomes a progress tracker. It keeps us in the game and helps us determine our next action.
There is a very different play call on third down and short than there is on third down and ten. Where you are in the game changes what you do next.
Each successful down creates another opportunity to move the ball forward and, ultimately, put points on the board.
The same is true for teams and organizations. When people understand what they are working toward, how progress is being measured, and what is expected of them along the way, they are better equipped to make decisions and adjust when needed.
“The achievements of any organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”
— Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi is known as one of the greatest football coaches in history. He was known for his leadership and deep commitment to winning. He worked tirelessly to achieve his goals and expected the same commitment from his team.
What made him a great leader was the example he displayed for others. He was relentless in his expectations, which led him to multiple championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls.
While he was focused on the victory, he also demonstrated the work ethic, passion, and humility required to earn those wins.
He understood that every player on the field had a role to execute, one play at a time. That was part of his coaching, his teaching, and his measurement for success.
“Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness, and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
— Vince Lombardi
Coach Lombardi expected a high level of accountability and collaboration from his players to achieve the results they set out to accomplish.
That formula still matters for high-performing teams today.
But it starts with clarity.
What does winning look like for your team?
Are you keeping score of the things that actually matter?
Does everyone understand how their individual contribution connects to the bigger result?
And when something changes, does your team have enough information to know what the next play should be?
At Momentum Consulting, we help leaders and teams create that clarity, strengthen accountability and collaboration, and work together toward meaningful results.
How can we help your team get the win?
Hook ’em Horns!
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Fundamental of the Week #14: DELIVER RESULTS
Set high goals without overpromising. Track and measure your progress, and hold yourself and others accountable for delivering consistent results.
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