John Wooden, One of the Most Successful Basketball Coaches of All Time, on Leadership

John Wooden, arguably the greatest coach ever, built a lifetime dynasty of success in college basketball and has been called a coaching genius. He provided many of his basketball stars with the foundation to become successful business owners after they completed their sports careers. Wooden was teaching them how to operate successfully as a team in basketball; they all say the same principles apply in business and life.

According to Wooden, the same principles apply to any competitive environment. Leadership is built on many interlocking principles and once understood, success is attainable. Wooden defined success as follows: Success is 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.

He described his concept as the "Pyramid of Success", to which he added his 12 lessons in leadership:

1) Good values attract good people.
2) Love is the most powerful four-letter word.
3) Call yourself a teacher.
4) Emotion is your enemy.
5) It takes ten hands to make a basket. (A reference to basketball.)
6) Little things make big things happen.
7) Make each day your masterpiece.
8) The carrot is mightier than a stick.
9) Make greatness attainable by all.
10) Seek significant change.
11) Don't look at the scoreboard.
12) Adversity is your asset.

His record for success speaks for itself; the winning teams he created were monumental and many of his star players went on to become successful in other endeavors. Many report back that his "Pyramid of Success" has been their foundation for success in everything they do. Check out the pyramid at: www.coachwooden.com

You cannot argue with success. Look at it, consider it and learn from it.