In his very first season as a head coach, he took a losing team and immediately turned them into a winner. Speaking of winning, he coached his teams to a mind-boggling total 664 victories in 27 seasons, including 10 NCAA National Championships. Within this period were 88 straight wins and four perfect 30-0 seasons.
Yet, having seen several television feature stories about him, having read one of his books, having been privileged to see him speak, and having spoken to people who have spoken with those who have known him first-hand, the following appears to be very true about retired UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden:
Winning was not his focus.
Don’t get me wrong; he loved to win and was not one to accept a loss that was not preceded by full preparation and determined effort. But, winning was not his priority; indeed, it was not his focus.
In fact, his very definition of “Success” was not winning the game. Rather, it was: “Peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
Let’s look at just a few of his qualities that stood out the most:
He was a person of his word.
He prepared unceasingly.
He insisted that all players prepared unceasingly and put forth their best effort, being team-focused. He did not accept selfishness on the court, nor did he accept one player criticizing another.
He focused on the “little things” if he felt they had potentially major consequences; most famously how to correctly put on socks and sneakers in order to avoid blisters.
He was/is a man of deep religious faith.
He was/is a very nice, kind human being.
He won.
Coach Wooden, who didn’t hold the winning of basketball games as his highest priority, was – literally speaking – a huge winner, not just in life, but on the court.
Of course, I’m not saying one should or should not focus on winning. That’s for each individual to decide. However, I would like to put up for discussion the question, “what lessons you feel we can take from this outstanding coach and human being?”
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Bob, a timely post. I have never met Coach Wooden but I know several people who have. What you say about him is so true. I just wish more leaders would follow some of the basic principles of leadership. Coach Wooden would focus on the fundementals and doing them right each time. He was also accountable which is needed more often in today’s business environment.
Hi Tom, thank you. It’s a special honor to have you comment, your being a former college basketball star at the University of Kentucky (see a photo of Tom from his college days at http://bit.ly/7zR0N8). And, you’re correct about his teaching of the fundamentals; I neglected to mention that very important point.
I have enjoyed listening to John talk about their practices, wow. The preparation was the key. Great article!
Winning was not his focus. I wish more people understood his version of success. Thanks for sharing.
You are helping us get more focused on what cannot be picked up with your hand.
When someone asks when someone asks what you want for Christmas, ask for 5 pounds of trust. If trust is back ordered, then send patience.
Excellent article Bob. John Wooden is…well…the MAN!
Personally I have never been a fan of the word “winner” in that for me, it invokes the idea that one has “won” something without much effort – such as a lottery. I realize in the context of sports or politics, this is rarely the case.
Have an awesome holiday season & New Year!
Hi Steve, thank you for your comment. The preparation is so important to great performance, isn’t it?
Jim, I love your saying about if trust if backorded. You need to be “tweeting” that one, my friend!
Hi Karl. Wooden was the MAN, indeed. What a great leader and human being. Regarding the word, “winner” I never thought of it that way, other than in whatever context it is used. But, it is interesting how certain words evoke certain pictures/feelings. I’ve known you for a long time and while, as a 3rd party candidate, you’ve never won enough votes for a political office, I consider you to be one of the biggest winners I know. You are truly a principle-based person. You’d have my vote for President any day.
I love Wooden! TEAM biz system embraces his principles. I so love his pyramid of success and his 7 point creed. His stories inspire me to be better in every area expected of me to lead, mentor & of course….coach!
What we can learn from Wooden can be applied in every area of our lives.
Thank you Bob!
Good morning, Bob! The take away for me is choice. Wooden chose to focus on what was important to him – “Peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Obviously, he had spent some time deciding what was important to him and then made choices based on that “knowing.”
You live this way too, my friend, for I have watched you from the sidelines and have modeled my behavior after your fine example.
It’s really not about winning or losing – it is about who you choose to be while you are playing the game of life.
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