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團隊，從傳球開始：五百年都難以超越的 UCLA 傳奇教練伍登培養優越人才和團隊的領導心法
本書為傳奇教練伍登一生的領導思想結晶。延續了父親的人生哲學，以及自創著名的「成功金字塔」，伍登在本書中將團隊管理的哲學提升到另一個新的高度，在他的定義下，成功是一種內心的平靜，也即是每個團員付出了100%的全力，內心無愧即是成功，而勝利，僅只是成功的附屬品。
競爭、動機、團結、服從、個人表現……本書不只是一本關於球隊的領導，更是任何組織，乃至個人格品養成的指引。唯有置團隊榮譽於個人表現之上，團隊的成功才是個人的成功。
競爭、動機、團結、服從、個人表現……本書不只是一本關於球隊的領導，更是任何組織，乃至個人格品養成的指引。唯有置團隊榮譽於個人表現之上，團隊的成功才是個人的成功。
221 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2006
88 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read
About the author
John Wooden
75 books362 followersJohn Robert Wooden is a retired American basketball coach. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player (class of 1961) and as a coach (class of 1973). He was the first person ever enshrined in both categories; only Lenny Wilkens and Bill Sharman have since been so honored. His 10 NCAA National Championships in a 12 year period while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 12, 2018
Success comes to you as an individual and leader only when you acquire peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming
February 16, 2021
Excellent book on leadership! Easy to read. Filled with nuggets!
February 13, 2022
活著，彷彿明日不再；學習，好似此生無盡（Live as though you'll die tomorrow. Learn as though you'll live forever.）
這本書只是為出而出，不如直接找“Wooden”來看會更好一些...
這本書只是為出而出，不如直接找“Wooden”來看會更好一些...
March 8, 2023
Good info. 7 straight NCAA championships. What a beast. I’ll be preaching this shit to my volleyball team
June 1, 2021
Wonderful read!! Could read over and over, and still get something out of it!!
March 6, 2020
Leadership is a thing that we can gain through experience. Though, this book gives you a chance to understand it with just reading. John Wooden. The man, the legend. He was once just a basketball coach with brilliant inspiring ideas. Now, he is a man that shares it with the world. His perspective was past the game of basketball. It was past each player. It was each person. Their thoughts, their understandings. Wooden could go deeper into a true mind. To me, I felt that his basketball explanation was what made the book so much easier to understand and more impactful.
November 3, 2019
I found out about John Wooden and this book thanks to Brett McKay from The Art of Manliness podcast and would highly recommend it. John Wooden was a basketball coach for 40 years and had only one season in all that time that had a losing record. The most interesting thing is that as his career progressed, he ended up never telling his team to "go and win this game!" but rather to do their best. He famously would let his team know he was upset with them if they actually won the game but didn't play their best - to him that was a loss. Over the course of his career he was constantly improving on his leadership ability and early on created a "pyramid of success" that included 15 characteristics that he felt would help a person be successful. He talks about this and several other tactics or behaviors that he felt creates a successful person and good leader. I got this out of the library, but it is definitely one that I want to include in my personal library and is something I think should be studied by anyone who wants to be a better leader. After 40 years and the successes that he had, I'd say he's pretty qualified to write this book.
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January 15, 2025Leadership is always something that is a part of our lives and a lot of us struggle with it. Many of us are involve in things like sports, group management and jobs. Leaders have a significant impact on the success of the teams and groups and if they don't function, the team can become unsuccessful. This book "The essential Wooden" by John Wooden allows us to understand the value and the procedure in becoming a good leader. John Wooden was a NCAA basketball coach and his leadership and his way to control the team meant the success of the team, in other words, the lack of his ability to manage meant the failure of the team. This book is good for everyone especially those who are in or approaching a leadership situation and it is a very book to read not only to manage other people but also yourself.
December 8, 2014
The master lays down his wisdom on leadership, team-building, and character. Wooden’s a truly inspiring person and my vote for the greatest coach of all time. I found his personal definition of success very enlightening: “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” My only complaint was the way the book was structured into super short sections, which caused it to be choppy and a bit redundant.
July 2, 2017
I read this book because I heard Kareem Abdul Jabber has a new book out about Coach Wooden and leadership.
Wooden's book is very readable with small segments arranged in topical chapters. Some might call it old school, but the book contains tried and true principles. I gave my copy to my son, who could relate to it better than my daughter. Though Coach Wooden repeated "people under my supervisipn" so often that I think my daughter would relate to it too.
Oh, and because unsed to watch UCLA play basketball in the late 60's from the snack room at college.
Wooden's book is very readable with small segments arranged in topical chapters. Some might call it old school, but the book contains tried and true principles. I gave my copy to my son, who could relate to it better than my daughter. Though Coach Wooden repeated "people under my supervisipn" so often that I think my daughter would relate to it too.
Oh, and because unsed to watch UCLA play basketball in the late 60's from the snack room at college.
January 1, 2015
I pulled some good nuggets from this book. Spoiler alert! The biggest nugget was that if you practice to get better the wins just automatically come. And, when you do fail, you can still feel good that you did your best and can come back and make it right. Although failure for me is when you quit trying.
September 25, 2024
Excellent. Hoosier John Wooden, voted #1 coach in the 20th century by the American Sports Writers Assoc., coached at the Indiana HS & college level (Indiana State 30 years before Larry Bird), before joining UCLA in 1948, retiring 27 years later with 10 national championships in 1975. This book is his synthesized teaching, coaching, and leadership principles.
June 20, 2017
John Wooden was given the opportunity to win 10 NCAA Championships so we would listen to his
teachings, create better souls and make the world a better place. This book should be read by ever individual.
teachings, create better souls and make the world a better place. This book should be read by ever individual.
April 3, 2025
Coach Wooden preached the importance of repetition for success on the court. However, the repetition of similar musings throughout this book made it awfully redundant. Some nice insights nonetheless.
Wooden would absolutely hate the transfer portal by the way…
Wooden would absolutely hate the transfer portal by the way…
March 26, 2011
Harold - Excellent. Seemed like I highlighted the whole thing.
February 16, 2020
Written by legendary American basketball coach, John Wooden. He won a record 10 titles in 12 years with UCLA. Undoubtedly the greatest ever American university basketball coach.
Coach Wooden was a no bullshit badass who embraced adversity. His mannerisms remind me a lot of General George Patton.
"Adversity makes you tougher. More capable of dealing with trouble the next time it comes looking for you. Over and over, I've seen the great benefit that comes to those who face adversity. Tough times makes you tougher. A free ride isn't free." - Wooden
Wooden was a master of details. He had rules for everything. From how to clean a basketball court, to tying shoelaces to what to eat for dinner the night before a game. Nothing was left to chance.
"There are no secrets in basketball - none. Everyone knows everything. In every area of the game, there is a correct way, a perfect way, of doing it. My system was to teach the highest form of executions of those fundamentals" - Wooden
He was a firm believer in doing your best - covering all the basics and well as you can. In his mind, the score was irrelevant. What mattered was how his team performed on the court.
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming” - Wooden
My biggest takeaway from Wooden was how he led by example. His behaviour was so exemplary that those under his supervision found it hard to match or surpass. He set the bar.
"Be hardest on yourself - the model for what you want your team to become. Don't look for others to be your quality control expert. Be your own harshest critic" - Wooden
Despite all his success, Wooden was a simple man with no trappings of materialism. He genuinely enjoyed coaching basketball and dedicated his life to it.
“If I could go back and pick one single day in my life - in sports - to live over again, I would like to go back to conduct one more day of practice in the gym. Cervantes wrote that the journey is better than the inn. The struggle, the planning and learning, the seeking surpass all else for me - including championship titles. My joy was in the journey” - Wooden
I hope all of us can one day find such joy in our work. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
Coach Wooden was a no bullshit badass who embraced adversity. His mannerisms remind me a lot of General George Patton.
"Adversity makes you tougher. More capable of dealing with trouble the next time it comes looking for you. Over and over, I've seen the great benefit that comes to those who face adversity. Tough times makes you tougher. A free ride isn't free." - Wooden
Wooden was a master of details. He had rules for everything. From how to clean a basketball court, to tying shoelaces to what to eat for dinner the night before a game. Nothing was left to chance.
"There are no secrets in basketball - none. Everyone knows everything. In every area of the game, there is a correct way, a perfect way, of doing it. My system was to teach the highest form of executions of those fundamentals" - Wooden
He was a firm believer in doing your best - covering all the basics and well as you can. In his mind, the score was irrelevant. What mattered was how his team performed on the court.
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming” - Wooden
My biggest takeaway from Wooden was how he led by example. His behaviour was so exemplary that those under his supervision found it hard to match or surpass. He set the bar.
"Be hardest on yourself - the model for what you want your team to become. Don't look for others to be your quality control expert. Be your own harshest critic" - Wooden
Despite all his success, Wooden was a simple man with no trappings of materialism. He genuinely enjoyed coaching basketball and dedicated his life to it.
“If I could go back and pick one single day in my life - in sports - to live over again, I would like to go back to conduct one more day of practice in the gym. Cervantes wrote that the journey is better than the inn. The struggle, the planning and learning, the seeking surpass all else for me - including championship titles. My joy was in the journey” - Wooden
I hope all of us can one day find such joy in our work. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
April 29, 2021
No matter if you are working off the 24-hour clock or 24-second clock this books will provide you with initial or refresher fundamentals to building and maintaining a winning team. If you really think about it there's not much difference between a sports team and a business team. Both work together, train together, abide by a dress code, celebrate, grieve and we all know that once we step inside the boundary lines we can expect to get mentally or physically hit in some way shape or form by other people. Shake it off, talk about it, make adjustments, or take a time out if necessary to regroup and keep the team moving forward.
"The Essential Wooden" has got some hidden fundamental treasures inside the Pyramid of Success" to become the best the team is capable of becoming. You'll love the value of Intensity: Welder's arc or forest fire analogy.
As Coach put it: "Love is Essential" and the bottom line for all kinds of teams is that players don't care how much the leader knows until they know how much the leader cares.
"Less Self Makes You Selfless." In the business world many leaders publicly call attention to themselves by pounding their chest after achieving a goal. What they really are saying is "Me, me, me!" with zero consideration for the players who brought them to the dance.
This book is loaded with leadership directives by and about a winning Coach that focuses on "We, We, We." Get your copy today and scribble personal notes throughout it and keep it as a handy reference and teamwork training tool that is essential for all kinds of teams.
"The Essential Wooden" has got some hidden fundamental treasures inside the Pyramid of Success" to become the best the team is capable of becoming. You'll love the value of Intensity: Welder's arc or forest fire analogy.
As Coach put it: "Love is Essential" and the bottom line for all kinds of teams is that players don't care how much the leader knows until they know how much the leader cares.
"Less Self Makes You Selfless." In the business world many leaders publicly call attention to themselves by pounding their chest after achieving a goal. What they really are saying is "Me, me, me!" with zero consideration for the players who brought them to the dance.
This book is loaded with leadership directives by and about a winning Coach that focuses on "We, We, We." Get your copy today and scribble personal notes throughout it and keep it as a handy reference and teamwork training tool that is essential for all kinds of teams.
September 1, 2019
I’ve always admired Coach Wooden-after this book, even more so. I find myself guilty more than anyone else of trying to making a living and forgetting all about that thing called life. To achieve, to succeed, but I’m reminded that Coach Wooden would politely ask, “Achieve and Succeed according to who?”
If we can all look ourselves in the mirror at the end of each day and know we gave our best, then we are all champions.
One of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a very senior leader who told me, “Ryan, I have to be honest. When we first met I thought you were competing with everyone else. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. I quickly realized the only person you ever competed with was yourself.”
I’d say that leader was very similar to Coach Wooden and his greatest trait was as a coach more than anything else.
As for the book, I give it 10 out of 5. Yes, you read that right. Book is worth double, if you use what’s inside it.
I’ll gift this book often, but my personal copy won’t ever be far out of reach.
Be the very best you can be, win or lose.
If we can all look ourselves in the mirror at the end of each day and know we gave our best, then we are all champions.
One of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a very senior leader who told me, “Ryan, I have to be honest. When we first met I thought you were competing with everyone else. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. I quickly realized the only person you ever competed with was yourself.”
I’d say that leader was very similar to Coach Wooden and his greatest trait was as a coach more than anything else.
As for the book, I give it 10 out of 5. Yes, you read that right. Book is worth double, if you use what’s inside it.
I’ll gift this book often, but my personal copy won’t ever be far out of reach.
Be the very best you can be, win or lose.
May 29, 2018
A lot of times we read books by authors who we know little about. Unsure of how much of what they are writing have they personally experienced. This is very common among leadership books. This book should leave no doubt in the mind of the reader about the credentials of the writer - the legendary coach John Wooden. The book disseminates leadership jewels in small chunks of half a page to a few pages. This is a style you would see in a lot of other books as well. However, what really stands out about this book is that the principles coach John Wooden describes here are the true tried and test formulas from the experiences of his life coaching UCLA basketball team and taking them to a pinnacle never reached before by any team in the history of college basketball.
It is a good book to read. It teaches honesty, dedication to one's craft, integrity, and coach John Wooden's way of leadership.
It is a good book to read. It teaches honesty, dedication to one's craft, integrity, and coach John Wooden's way of leadership.
October 11, 2021
I thought this was a good book describing the key components to leadership, and I certainly had a couple of epiphanies regarding what I am lacking as a leader. While the book itself doesn’t really offer solutions, it does make a rational person stop and think about their own behavior: where one is succeeding and where one is lacking. I am going to try and make some positive changes because of this, which will be hard for me (and is what should be expected, per Wooden). I only gave it 3 stars because it is a concise and succinct format - almost like extended bullet points. This makes the book lack a little bit of flow. I understand that Mr. Wooden has other books on his leadership style which appear to be more narrative, and I realize that the the point of this book was to be more succinct. But by doing this abridged version, the book becomes a little slow to read, which is it helped by repetitive paragraphs sprinkled throughout.
January 3, 2019
John Wooden with Steve Jamison provides an in-depth and interesting review of Coach's leadership lessons. A thorough review of the Pyramid of Success including the background of the placement of each word on the pyramid is great instruction of his leadership teaching.
While, I have read Be Quick But Not Hurry in the past, I really enjoyed this book because of the voice of the players. Every 10-20 pages featured a letter from a player that gave new fresh perspective on Coach Wooden's teaching and successful coaching style. In addition to the voices from the players, this book also included many of the letters that Coach Wooden wrote to his players at the beginning of each season.
Recommend to all who want to learn or review again the fabulous fundamentals of coaching, leadership and "old fashioned" values.
While, I have read Be Quick But Not Hurry in the past, I really enjoyed this book because of the voice of the players. Every 10-20 pages featured a letter from a player that gave new fresh perspective on Coach Wooden's teaching and successful coaching style. In addition to the voices from the players, this book also included many of the letters that Coach Wooden wrote to his players at the beginning of each season.
Recommend to all who want to learn or review again the fabulous fundamentals of coaching, leadership and "old fashioned" values.
February 28, 2022
Simple, concise and deep - it reads almost like a daily proverb with examples from his players he coached and anecdotes from his life. The truisms he espouses he doesn't claim as original but his conviction comes through in inspiring ways that make it clear why his teams performed so well. They weren't competing against the other team, but against their past selves - striving to be the best. The phrase may be worn out, but it was embraced and executed every day by Wooden and his players. The inspiration from these pages aren't based on an outcome, but on the possibility of a person applying themselves in earnest and measuring their success against the quality of their effort - which is not just attainable, but worth shooting for every day.
December 25, 2019
Timeless wisdom, from legendary coach John Wooden. In every area of his remarkable life, Coach learned many lessons which he generously shares in this book.
One of my favorite Wooden wisdoms was about the trappings of success. Coach was never caught up in that endless game. In 1975, his final year as coach for the UCLA bruins basketball team, he was paid $32,500. He could have earned a lot more money. Yet, his upbringing on a farm in Indiana taught him that hard work brought all of the basics one really needs. A home, food, education, and a supportive family.
Highly recommended book, and not just for sports fans or leaders. For anyone.
One of my favorite Wooden wisdoms was about the trappings of success. Coach was never caught up in that endless game. In 1975, his final year as coach for the UCLA bruins basketball team, he was paid $32,500. He could have earned a lot more money. Yet, his upbringing on a farm in Indiana taught him that hard work brought all of the basics one really needs. A home, food, education, and a supportive family.
Highly recommended book, and not just for sports fans or leaders. For anyone.
Want to read
November 14, 2024The Essential Wooden – John Wooden with Steve Jamison العاصمة (Copyright 2010, Grand Central Publishing) The essential guide to life and leadership, the timeless wisdom of one of sports history's greatest coaches. Wooden extolls his keys to success, such as hard work and honesty, humility. This book, divided into easy-to-digest and shorter sections, provides simple messages of Wooden’s wisdom on character development and personal success both on the playing field or away. Interweaving powerful stories from his coaching career and life, The Essential Wooden is a magnificent reading for everyone looking to lead with character and distinction.
July 14, 2018
I loved this little book. John was way ahead of his time, focusing on principles like growth mindset over fixed mindset and success shouldn't be measured by the outcome but instead from being fully prepared and pouring one’s all into the effort. The lessons from this book apply to leaders in any setting, and it’s cool see them still applicable 40 years after his resignation.
Great summary of some of the lessons can be found here.
Great summary of some of the lessons can be found here.
September 10, 2011
As the title indicates this book condenses coach Wooden’s philosophies on leadership. What is truly surprising is the applicability of these principles to the corporate world just as much as that on the court.
The fundamental basis of Wooden’s coaching philosophy is best described in the preface: “…success. as measured by each one of us individually, is the peace of mind derived from making the absolute and complete effort to do the best of which you are capable. The quality of our effort to realize your potential counts first and foremost. For John Wooden that is success. And it is different from winning – beating an opponent in basketball, business, or life.” Built on that is Wooden’s infamous pyramid of success which captures the beliefs, behaviors and character attributes required to reach success – “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
I personally have not watched Wooden coach a game, or follow his championship winning teams – but I can tell through reading this book that he was and through his work continues to be a great leader and inspiration. A highly recommended read, in which everyone can find numerous lessons to be learned and applied.
Below are some excerpts that I found particularly insightful:
1- “Here is Dad’s simple guide for knowing what is right: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”"
2- “Adversity makes you tougher, more capable of dealing with trouble the next time it comes looking for you. Over and over I’ve seen the great benefit that comes to those who face adversity. Tough times make you tougher. A free ride isn’t free.”
3- “The Pyramid of Success: Industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise, confidence, faith, patience, competitive greatness -> Success “
4- “How to teach: 1- Explanation, 2- Demonstration, 3- Imitation (correction when necessary) 4- Repetition”
5- “10 Team Tips: 1) Be thinking at all times. 2- If you do your best, never lose your temper, and never be out-fought or out-hustled, you’ll have nothing to worry about. 3- Without faith and courage, you are lost. 4- Have respect for, without fear of, every opponent, and confidence without cockiness in regard to yourself. 5- Never be a spectator. Be in the fight at all times. 6- Unselfish team play and team spirit are two of the foremost essentials for our success. 7- We have tough battles ahead. Enjoy the thrill of being in a hard fight. 8- Never stoop to playing dirty – play hard and don’t complain. 9- Be sure you acknowledge and give credit to a teammate who hits you with a scoring pass or for any fine play he may make. 10- Be a competitor. When the going gets tough, really get going.”
6- “My normal expectations of team members: 1- Always be a gentleman. 2- Always be a team player. 3- Always be on time whenever time is involved. 4- Always be learning. 5- Always be enthusiastic, dependable, and cooperative. 6- Always be earning the right to be proud and confident.7- Always keep emotions under control without loosing fight or aggressiveness. 8- Be spirited, not temperamental. 9- Always work to improve, knowing you can never improve enough.”
7- “Everybody’s got buttons, including you. The smart leader knows where the buttons are on those under his or her supervision. The wise leader also knows where his or her own buttons are.”
8- “Admonitions and Truisms: 1- Do nothing that will bring discredit to the team. 2- Develop great personal pride in all aspects of your job. 3- The player who has done his best has done everything, while the player who has done less than his best is a failure. 4- Competition is perhaps 50 percent fight and 50 percent knowledge. 5- Truly believe that you are better than your opponent in fighting spirit and you will be mighty difficult to defeat.”
9- “Suggestions for all team members: 1- Never nag, razz, or criticize a teammate. 2- Never expect favors. 3- Never make excuses. 4- Never be selfish, jealous, envious, or egotistical. 5- Never lose faith or patience. 6- Never waste time. 7- Never load, sulk, or boast. 8- Never require repeated criticism for the same mistake. 9- Never have reason to be sorry afterward.”
10- “Good leadership requires all the resources of the head and heart you can muster. Too much from the head and you forget all leadership is about people; too much from the heart and you can’t make those tough decisions that may hurt some of those people.”
11- “Seven ways to make your criticism count: 1- Get all of the facts. 2- Don’t lash out. 3- Be specific. 4- Don’t make it personal. 5- Do it privately to avoid embarrassment. 6- Only the leader gives criticism. 7- Once done, it’s done.”
12- “The leader’s to-do list: 1- Promote sincerity, optimism, and enthusiasm. 2- Stamp out pessimism and negative sarcasm. 3- Recognize the value of a valid commendation. 4- When disagreeing, do not become disagreeable. 5- Make sure each person understands his or her specific role in making the team a success.”
13- “Promise yourself: 1- Promise to be so strong that nothing can disturb your piece of mind. 2- Promise to be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own. 3- Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the press of trouble.”
The fundamental basis of Wooden’s coaching philosophy is best described in the preface: “…success. as measured by each one of us individually, is the peace of mind derived from making the absolute and complete effort to do the best of which you are capable. The quality of our effort to realize your potential counts first and foremost. For John Wooden that is success. And it is different from winning – beating an opponent in basketball, business, or life.” Built on that is Wooden’s infamous pyramid of success which captures the beliefs, behaviors and character attributes required to reach success – “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
I personally have not watched Wooden coach a game, or follow his championship winning teams – but I can tell through reading this book that he was and through his work continues to be a great leader and inspiration. A highly recommended read, in which everyone can find numerous lessons to be learned and applied.
Below are some excerpts that I found particularly insightful:
1- “Here is Dad’s simple guide for knowing what is right: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”"
2- “Adversity makes you tougher, more capable of dealing with trouble the next time it comes looking for you. Over and over I’ve seen the great benefit that comes to those who face adversity. Tough times make you tougher. A free ride isn’t free.”
3- “The Pyramid of Success: Industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise, confidence, faith, patience, competitive greatness -> Success “
4- “How to teach: 1- Explanation, 2- Demonstration, 3- Imitation (correction when necessary) 4- Repetition”
5- “10 Team Tips: 1) Be thinking at all times. 2- If you do your best, never lose your temper, and never be out-fought or out-hustled, you’ll have nothing to worry about. 3- Without faith and courage, you are lost. 4- Have respect for, without fear of, every opponent, and confidence without cockiness in regard to yourself. 5- Never be a spectator. Be in the fight at all times. 6- Unselfish team play and team spirit are two of the foremost essentials for our success. 7- We have tough battles ahead. Enjoy the thrill of being in a hard fight. 8- Never stoop to playing dirty – play hard and don’t complain. 9- Be sure you acknowledge and give credit to a teammate who hits you with a scoring pass or for any fine play he may make. 10- Be a competitor. When the going gets tough, really get going.”
6- “My normal expectations of team members: 1- Always be a gentleman. 2- Always be a team player. 3- Always be on time whenever time is involved. 4- Always be learning. 5- Always be enthusiastic, dependable, and cooperative. 6- Always be earning the right to be proud and confident.7- Always keep emotions under control without loosing fight or aggressiveness. 8- Be spirited, not temperamental. 9- Always work to improve, knowing you can never improve enough.”
7- “Everybody’s got buttons, including you. The smart leader knows where the buttons are on those under his or her supervision. The wise leader also knows where his or her own buttons are.”
8- “Admonitions and Truisms: 1- Do nothing that will bring discredit to the team. 2- Develop great personal pride in all aspects of your job. 3- The player who has done his best has done everything, while the player who has done less than his best is a failure. 4- Competition is perhaps 50 percent fight and 50 percent knowledge. 5- Truly believe that you are better than your opponent in fighting spirit and you will be mighty difficult to defeat.”
9- “Suggestions for all team members: 1- Never nag, razz, or criticize a teammate. 2- Never expect favors. 3- Never make excuses. 4- Never be selfish, jealous, envious, or egotistical. 5- Never lose faith or patience. 6- Never waste time. 7- Never load, sulk, or boast. 8- Never require repeated criticism for the same mistake. 9- Never have reason to be sorry afterward.”
10- “Good leadership requires all the resources of the head and heart you can muster. Too much from the head and you forget all leadership is about people; too much from the heart and you can’t make those tough decisions that may hurt some of those people.”
11- “Seven ways to make your criticism count: 1- Get all of the facts. 2- Don’t lash out. 3- Be specific. 4- Don’t make it personal. 5- Do it privately to avoid embarrassment. 6- Only the leader gives criticism. 7- Once done, it’s done.”
12- “The leader’s to-do list: 1- Promote sincerity, optimism, and enthusiasm. 2- Stamp out pessimism and negative sarcasm. 3- Recognize the value of a valid commendation. 4- When disagreeing, do not become disagreeable. 5- Make sure each person understands his or her specific role in making the team a success.”
13- “Promise yourself: 1- Promise to be so strong that nothing can disturb your piece of mind. 2- Promise to be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own. 3- Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the press of trouble.”
August 15, 2019
Whether you are a documentary person or just like talking about what is being people, this is a great resource for gaining focus and a point of reference about your progress. There is an incredible amount of wisdom in this short read. And, if you only read it to learn about a consummate winner, then you will have chosen wisely. Wooden is arguably the best basketball coach ever with Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach the only two that can match him win for win.
March 27, 2020
A friend highly recommended this book and now I will be recommending it to everyone. I have already reached out to a couple of coaches I work with asking them questions about things I read in here. You cannot grow up in basketball crazy Indiana and not know about Coach Wooden. But I enjoyed learning more about him, his methods and philosophy. I can see some of his style in coaches I have worked with. I know that I would like to work hard to use his pyramid in my career.
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January 12, 2023From Daniel: I loved this little book. John was way ahead of his time, focusing on principles like growth mindset over fixed mindset and success shouldn't be measured by the outcome but instead from being fully prepared and pouring one’s all into the effort. The lessons from this book apply to leaders in any setting, and it’s cool see them still applicable 40 years after his resignation.
July 20, 2024
I thought this was a wonderful book not because it was spellbinding but rather because Wooden is truly a man of integrity and wisdom. If the world was filled with leaders like him we would have far less problems and worries. I think a lot of his thoughts, ideas, and quotes can be useful to anyone in a leadership position. His old fachioned values truly shine forth.
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