The Pyramid of Success
I regularly look for examples of outstanding leadership and what it takes to be successful. One such example is the famous collegiate basketball coach, John Wooden.
Wooden won ten NCAA championships in 12 years as the leader of the UCLA Bruins, including seven straight titles. He lead the Bruins to their first National title in his 16th season. No other collegiate team has come close.
John Wooden was renowned for his short, simple and inspirational messages to his players. His example and his teachings are so numerous that it’s difficult to share in a single article.
That said, there are a few that I would to focus on with you in this week's installment. One such teaching was "The Pyramid of Success". At the pinnacle of the Pyramid of Success is Competitive Greatness.
"Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required each day."
- John Wooden
Honestly, when you feel you are at your best, you are performing and leading at your best and everyone around you feels it, too.
Some of the other Wooden maxims embodied in the Pyramid include:
"Be yourself. Don't be thrown off by events whether good or bad."
"Ability may get you to the top, but character will keep you there - mental, moral and physical."
"Control of your organization begins with control of yourself."
"Make a decision. Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all."
"Persevere relentlessly".
At the foundation (the base of the Pyramid) are Hard Work, Friendship, Loyalty, Cooperation, Enthusiasm.
"Your energy, enjoyment, drive and dedication will stimulate and greatly inspire others." - John Wooden
To give context to these timeless and relevant tenets: Whether you are authentic or not, they will know it. Events do not define you. To me, character reigns supreme. Achieve self-control through understanding that everything flows from you. Decide and take action. Then adjust and pivot as required. Never give up.
In the workshops that I lead, I guide the group through an exercise I call, "The Awareness Gap™". Acknowledging and understanding when you are at your best and when you’re not is the first step to inspiring others and being the leader they want to follow.
Some more Wooden Wisdom from the Official Wooden site, The 12 Lessons In Leadership:
Good Values Attract Good People
Love is the Most Powerful Four-letter Word
Call Yourself a Teacher
Emotion is the Enemy
It takes 10 hands to Make a Basket
Little Things Make Big Things Happen
Make Each Day Your Masterpiece
The Carrot is Mightier Than a Stick
Make Greatness Attainable By All
Seek Significant Change
Don't Look At The Scoreboard
Adversity is Your Asset
To me these speak to teamwork, looking for the greatness in everyone, embracing change and adversity, the power of small incremental changes, the leader as teacher (coach), each day is another opportunity for greatness, be the artist of your life and understand your emotions and that you are not them.
So many great nuggets on leadership and success. For more inspiration from Coach Wooden, go to www.CoachWooden.com.
Conversations With The CEO Sensei
In an effort to provide additional value to you, I am launching a new service in November, my new YouTube show, "Conversations With The CEO Sensei".
"Conversations" will be showcasing business leaders, entrepreneurs and CEOs, their businesses and their secrets to success.
If you would like to be on the show or if you would like to learn more, click here and let's schedule a call.
Until next time.
"Success is peace of mind which is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."
- John Wooden