Page 163 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Little Things Make Big Things Happen

ALLOW EXCEPTIONS FOR 145
EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

If you have a performer in your organization who makes great
things happen in an unconventional way, be tolerant so long as
the path she or he chooses is ethical and does not impact neg-
atively on the behavior and attitude of others. A leader needs
good judgment in these situations. In sports we see coaches
constantly evaluating the risk and reward of bringing players
onto the team who have extreme talent but who march to
their own drummer in style, substance, and personal morality.
It is easy to be blind-sided by talent.

a player can rebound—or shoot free throws or play defense—free
from pain and distraction. Likewise, the possibility of executing a
successful fast break is more likely if a shoestring doesn’t come
untied.
My dedication to identifying and perfecting relevant details in
all areas was intended to set the tone both in style and in substance
for how the UCLA Bruins conducted business during games. Our
standards were very high when it came to the execution of funda-
mentals. And fundamentals, done well, are the foundation upon
which effective leaders build highly productive teams and very
competitive organizations.

MAKE EXCELLENCE A HABIT
My details are not your details. Nevertheless, identifying and per-
fecting those that apply to our own situation is a duty entrusted to
those in leadership. Being negligent in this area breaks the trust.