| John Wooden passed away on June 4, 2010, at | | | | word earn. When you strive to earn the right to |
| age 99. If you are a basketball fan, just saying | | | | be proud, you have genuine reason for that |
| the name John Wooden is all that is needed to | | | | powerful pride. Confidence, of course, is critical to |
| know you are speaking of coaching excellence. | | | | your ability to perform (especially at levels |
| If you don't know basketball, I could go on longer | | | | approaching your capability and potential). And, |
| than any of us want giving you Coach Wooden's | | | | true confidence can't be claimed (that is baseless |
| biography. But, I'll summarize in a few words: | | | | boasting), it must be earned. Earn these for |
| John Wooden won 10 national championships in 12 | | | | yourself, and help, support and encourage others |
| years (the closest any other coach has come is 4 | | | | to do the same. |
| in a career). He is a member of the Basketball Hall | | | | "Ability may get you to the top. But character will |
| of Fame as both a player and a coach (one of | | | | keep you there." History and recent headlines |
| only three people so enshrined). In 2009, The | | | | prove this again and again. As an individual, focus |
| Sporting News named him "The Greatest Coach | | | | on your character, not just your ability; as a |
| of All Time." (As I said, I could go on, but I won't. | | | | leader, hire for character and build people up |
| However, if you're interested in more information | | | | based on their character. When you do you will |
| here is his Wikipedia entry) | | | | get better results in the short and long term. |
| But here's the thing... John Wooden hasn't | | | | "You can do more good by being good than any |
| remained relevant for 35 years after his coaching | | | | other way." Leaders want to 'do good' - you want |
| career ended just because he was a great coach. | | | | to serve Customers. You want to make a |
| He remained relevant, talked about and revered | | | | difference. You want to improve things. Coach |
| because he set high standards for himself and his | | | | Wooden's maxim reminds that all of those great |
| players. He always considered himself a teacher | | | | ambitions, and all of the good you are capable of |
| first. | | | | doing in the world, starts with your actions. |
| The rest of this article focuses on Coach | | | | Challenge yourself to "be good" as a first step |
| Wooden's words. Here are five of his favorite | | | | towards creating good in the world around you. |
| maxims and teachings from the book Wooden - | | | | "It is what you learn after you know it all that |
| A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on | | | | counts." This may be the most famous quotation |
| and Off the Court. | | | | attributed to Coach Wooden. It is profoundly true. |
| I have purposely chosen ideas that maybe are | | | | For leaders the implications are huge. As a leader |
| aren't the most directly linked to your role as a | | | | you aren't the expert, those doing the work are. |
| leader and then added a few words from my | | | | As a leader, you can't possibly know all there is to |
| perspective to connect Coach's teachings to | | | | know about leadership, it is too complex. There |
| leadership. | | | | are as many connections and lessons for this |
| "Move, move, move!" Coach Wooden said this | | | | truth as there are people reading it. I will leave it |
| phrase may have been the one he used with his | | | | to you to find the personal value for yourself. |
| players more than any other. He was referring to | | | | This article is more than a memorial to Coach |
| moving physically, of course, but also mentally. | | | | Wooden. |
| Leaders must always remember this too. You | | | | It is a call to action for all of us to lead, teach and |
| must move. You must take action. You must be | | | | live to a higher standard, to move closer to our |
| thinking. You must be progressing. This is what | | | | potential. I hope he would be proud. |
| leaders do. If you want to lead, move! | | | | For even more information (if you're interested), |
| "Earn the right to be proud and confident." Pride, | | | | there are many fine books written by and about |
| contrary to the belief of many, isn't a bad thing. | | | | Coach Wooden (including the one mentioned |
| Rather, when used appropriately, pride is a | | | | above). However, from a leadership perspective I |
| powerful influencer of self and others. Coach | | | | recommend "Wooden On Leadership. |
| Wooden got it right when he started with the | | | | |