15 John Wooden Quotes about Teamwork and Leadership
When it comes to setting goals and helping others reach goals, sports coaches offer a lot of insight. Even for those of us who haven’t played a collegiate or professional sport, we can sift through the teachings and find individual professional development application and leadership tips.
Growing up, I played sports and enjoyed basketball in particular. I’d watch basketball games on television and fictional movies, watching the game, yes, but paying closer attention to the inspirational speeches from coaches and sideline strategy. From the time of childhood VHS tapes like Double Teamed about two twins who resolve their relationship tension on their way to high school basketball success, I was hooked. Every quality locker room coach speech gives me chills to this day.
When it comes to real-life stories and perceptive takeaways, John Wooden, former UCLA coach, is a wellspring of insight. Here’s a sampling of insight from the 10-time NCAA championship coach:
1. “Don’t let making a living prevent you from making a life.”
2. “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.”
3. “Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.”
5. “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.”
6. “A player who makes a team great is better than a great player.”
7. “Make sure your team members know they are working with you, not for you.”
8. “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
9. “Never try to be better than someone else. Learn from others, and try to be the best you can be. Success is the by-product of that preparation.”
10. “Nothing will work unless you do.”
11. “I worry that business leaders are more interested in material gain than they are in having the patience to build up a strong organization, and a strong organization starts with caring for their people.”
12. “Listen if you want to be heard.”
13. “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
14. “If we fail to adapt, we fail to move forward.”
15. “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.”
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