Page 238 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Wooden on Leadership
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are—imposed on us without warning; random acts happen to peo-
ple and organizations out of the blue. In my experience, this is not
the exception to the rule, but the rule.
You may have noticed that when unexpected good fortune ar-
rives at our doorstep, we often accept it without thought, not even
a tip of the hat. In trying times, however, we are quick to conclude
that the fates are working directly and unfairly against us—to find
an excuse to let up, lose heart, and then quit.
George Moriarty described it like this:

Sometimes I think the fates must grin
As we denounce them and insist,
The only reason we can’t win
Is because the fates themselves have missed.

But it is not the fates that have “missed,” rather the fortitude of
a leader who says “woe is me” moments before giving up in the face
of misfortune. Do not let “woe is me” become your theme song. It
is a tune sung only by weak leaders.
Shakespeare expressed it well. Shortly before Hamlet faces likely
death in a fencing match arranged by the man who murdered his
father, his friend Horatio tries to offer him an excuse to run, hide,
or quit. Hamlet refuses. He has come to believe that all things hap-
pen for a reason and tells Horatio, “There is special providence in
the fall of a sparrow.” Hamlet saw divine guidance and care in all
events—big and small—and was determined
“Although you may not be to face his destiny with courage and skill.
able to control what fate I believe the same. I was taught to make the
brings your way, you can best of whatever the fates—providence—
control how you react and brought forth into my life. This belief has
respond to it. At least, you been of great benefit to me, most particularly
should be able to.” when it came to leading others.