Lesson 10- Reading #2

Wooden, What am I? 

J. Wooden (2005).  On Leadership.  New York:  McGraw Hill.

What am I?  Just a teacher -- a member of one of the great professions in the world.  My teaching had accomplished good things, but in the process it had created a level of attention that eventually drove me away. I had to get out, but perhaps I didn't even know it until seconds after I shook Coach Crum's hand following that semifinal game - (The last game he coached, the finals of the NCAA).  Minutes later I told our team that our upcoming game would be my last.

Many times I have suggested to interested observers that if I ever met a magical genie who could grant me two wishes, I knew what they would be.  First for those many coaches whom I respect and have warm feelings toward I would wish each one a national championship.

For those few coaches for whom I have less-than-warm feelings, my wish would be that they they win many national championships.  however, in truth, I'm not sure I would wish that on anybody.

Balance is crucial in everything we do.  Along with love, it's among the most important things in life.  I strove for balance in my leadership and coaching and taught that balance was necessary for competitive Greatness:  The body has to be in balance; the mind has to be in balance; emotions must be in balance.  Balance is important everywhere and in everything we do.

Unfortunately, over the last years of my coaching at UCLA things had gotten out of balance.  Perhaps my subconscious mind figured out that the only way to regain the balance I required personally and professionally was to leave the game I love.

In fact, if the genie had given me a third wish, I might have required that the folderol disappear but the practices remain.  Those practices were where my teaching, coaching, and leadership existed in a wonderful and pure form, free from folderol.

What occurred in the practices is what gave me joy and satisfaction --teaching others how to bring forth the best of which they are capable. Ultimately, I believe that's what leadership is all about:  helping others to achieve their own greatness by helping the organization to succeed.

...."The leader has a responsibility to hold people accountable.  However, there are several ways to point out deficiencies while allowing people to keep their dignity."