Early Momentum

With the recent passing of John Wooden, I am compelled to write a post in his honor. While he was one of the most successful players and coaches in college basketball history, he is equally as known for his greatness as a leader. My point here is not to highlight his basketball career, but rather to share some of his leadership philosophy that has influenced so many people including myself.

Years ago while in an airport bookstore, I purchased one of his books on leadership to pass the time. Later I had the opportunity to see him speak. I quickly found him to be one of the few people whose every idea seems so spot on when it comes to the subjects of leadership, teamwork and human relations.

The Pyramid of Success
When it comes to his leadership and teaching, John Wooden is likely most known for his “pyramid of success.”  It was his illustrative list of traits and values he considered essential to acquire lasting success. While he began it early in his coaching career, he gradually adjusted and added to it over the years. It is succinct and profound at the same time. We could all do a lot worse than to use it as a roadmap for our personal development plan.

John Wooden’s Seven-Point Creed
He was fond of sharing a seven-point creed for living which his father taught him when he graduated from elementary school. In it you will find the traits of integrity, excellence, generosity, self-development, wisdom, gratitude and more. 

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Make each day your masterpiece.
3. Help others.
4. Drink deeply from good books including the Good Book.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings everyday.

The Four P’s
Wether in sports, business or any other endeavor, he considered the keys to successful execution to be what he called “the four P’s”. Planning, preparation, practice, and performance.

As a Leader, demand consistency
On the subject of consistency he had this to say: “I would not accept inconsistency-the pitfalls of repeated highs and lows. I wanted the individuals on our team to play the same way, game to game, that is, with the greatest intensity while executing at the highest performance level of which they were capable. Emotional ups and downs preclude this.”

Lastly, here’s just a handful of the notes I’ve made from his teachings.

• Before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself.
• There is no substitute for enthusiasm.
• The star of the team is the Team.
• Beware those who will do whatever it takes to win.
• Remember that a good demonstration tops a great description.
• Control emotion or emotion will control you.
• Sloppiness breeds sloppiness.
• Pride is easier to instill with the carrot (than punishment).
• Believe in the hidden potential of all.
• Long-term success requires short-term focus.
• Don’t make “woe is me” your fight song.

I could go on and on but in the spirit of brevity, if you are at all interested in learning more about his great leadership philosophy, I’ll leave you with two recommendations. First, get your hands on one of the many great books on or by him. Second, thoroughly check out his fantastic website.