Page 193 - How to Create a Winning Organization

The Carrot Is Mightier Than a Stick
ily, and the media. I was aware of the potential for damage this in- 175
fluence could bring and told our team members to ignore what
others said or wrote. “You’ll like it if it’s complimentary and get
mad if it’s critical. In either circumstance—deserved or not, ap-
preciated or not—ignore it, because when you allow it to affect
you, the results are detrimental to the team.”
The praise and criticism I wanted to have meaning and positive
impact was that which came from me and my assistant coaches.
None of the rest—Sports Illustrated, newspapers, radio broadcast-
ers, friends, family, or relatives—should matter as it related to
UCLA basketball.
Much of my understanding and appreciation of the impact that
praise and criticism can have within an organization came from my
own experience, from my relationship with my father when I was
young. My dad was not averse to giving me or my brothers a whip-
ping on occasion when we got out of line. But it was my great de-
sire to please him that motivated me. I had no fear of physical
punishment, but my greatest fear was that my dad would be dis-
appointed in my behavior.
Later, my coaches and mentors were individuals I respected so
much. Their approval—commendations, a pat on the back—was
like gold to me, more precious, in fact. I came to believe as a coach
and leader that if I conducted myself in a manner that earned the
respect of those under my leadership, this same powerful motiva-
tion would exist. When this was achieved, I would have one of the
most powerful tools available to a leader: respect from those I was
charged with leading into the competition.
I tried hard to earn that respect, knowing that it gave my words
tremendous import. It made my commendations and compli-
ments the greatest carrots of all. Likewise, you may see merit in
the following guidelines as they pertain to your own carrots and
sticks.