Journal #6, Week 3

I completed John Wooden's book last night "Essential Wooden." It was an easy read both in the short length of the book and by it being written by someone with such similar views to mine on both leadership and basketball.

Wooden was an efficient human being. He was a meticulous planner who set high expectations of those that worked for him as well as himself. At the same time, he worked tirelessly to make sure that it was possible for his teams to reach success. He understood that it wasn't good enough to set a goal if he didn't do all that he can to help them reach it.

I love that Wooden didn't like to mention winning. He didn't see winning and success as being synonyms. I have adapted a Wooden quote into my email signature that sums his theory on success best:

"For maximum team accomplishment, each individual must prepare himself to be the best of his ability and then put his talents to work for the team. This must be done unselfishly, without thought of personal glory. When no one worries about who will receive the credit, far more can be accomplished in any group activity." - John Wooden, Preseason Letter to Team, 1964

Another quote I have used recently is from Coach Joe Paterno. JoPa was asked in an interview if his incoming freshmen had a will to win. JoPa, rambling through an answer, stated something that was spot on:

"Everyone wants to win. You and I want to win any time we want to compete in a game. What I look for is for players that have the will to prepare to win. If the players are willing to make the sacrifices in preparation of the contest, they will win more often than not. Most of the players on this roster have prepared well."

Paterno and Wooden have so much in common. Being coaches in collegiate sports is as competitive an environment as one can be placed in. However, coaches that go for wins over team success are usually going to fail. Similar is this to a boss in business that focuses on their quarterly results ahead of long term viability of the organization. Failing to see the vision of the company over the short term results is a dangerous venture.