Page 132 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Wooden on Leadership
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RULES TO LEAD BY

Control Emotion or Emotion Will Control You.
Intensity, correctly applied and directed, produces consistent and
positive improvement and results. Uncontrolled emotion or mercu-
rial displays of temperament erode a leader’s stature, lessen respect
from others, and will undermine your team’s efforts. The leader who
does not know the difference between intensity and emotionalism
may succeed on occasion, but the success will usually not be repeat-
able, reliable, or ongoing.

Avoid Excess. Shoot for Moderation.
In my opinion, effective leaders understand that moderation and
balance are linked to long-term success. Excess in just about anything
has the potential to create erratic performance. Communicate this
fact throughout the ranks, and, of course, don’t forget that your
own example is frequently the very best method of communication.

Instill Emotional Discipline.
Much of the overwrought behavior we see in sports today is the result
of insufficient discipline. For example, a football player putting on a
big show of celebration after making a tackle when his team is losing
27 to 3 late in the fourth quarter is demonstrating poor judgment,
bad perspective, and lack of emotional discipline—characteristics I do
not associate with success. It is up to you, the leader, to insist that
those in the organization demonstrate the same great emotional con-
trol that you have. Do you have it?