Page 145 - How to Create a Winning Organization

It Takes 10 Hands to Score a Basket
personal statistics matter only to the degree to which they enhance 127
overall team performance, Sidney changed dramatically for the bet-
ter. During his second season on the UCLA varsity, he emerged as
the best college forward in America—a wonderful team player who
embraced the philosophy that it takes 10 hands to make a basket.
One last word for the record: As much as Sidney wanted to be a
starter his first year, he did not become embittered when I ruled
otherwise. In part, this was because I enforced my decision with-
out personal attacks, ridicule, or animosity. My directives and dis-
cipline were delivered in a businesslike and professional manner.
Sidney, in fact, also had a great sense of humor and never lost it
during his, at times, trying first season on the UCLA varsity. One
day he arrived at practice with a gift that was all wrapped up. As he
handed it to me, Sidney said, “Coach, this for Mrs. Wooden. I
think she’ll want to put it up in your living room.” I was touched
by his thoughtfulness. That night when Nell opened Sidney’s gift
at the dinner table, we both chuckled. It was a big picture of one
of the leading counterculture revolutionaries of the time.
Sidney was an exceptional individual, but like most of us he had
his own peculiarities. I am pleased that in the course of a difficult
transition for him, from “me first” to “Team First,” I was able to
keep the process on track and productive. It would have been a
shame to lose Sidney because I lacked the skills necessary to teach
my philosophy and methodology to a very talented young man.
This is true for leadership in any context.

THE WOLF AND THE PACK
I sought only to put the best possible team together, the group of in-
dividuals who worked best—selflessly—as a unit. I didn’t see black
players or white players. I didn’t care about their politics or religion.
“All for one and one for all” is not an empty slogan for me. I
don’t need scientific proof to know that Rudyard Kipling was cor-