Page 284 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Wooden on Leadership
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REWARD THE QUALITIES THAT COUNT
I have always believed that glory belongs to the group rather than
to any single individual. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize
contributions that those within your organizations make to the
welfare of the team. Usually that recognition goes to your most vis-
ible producer—for example, a top scorer in basketball or a top
salesperson in business.
While I coached at UCLA, there were a number of awards given
to players by alumni groups and local boosters for various accom-
plishments. While I couldn’t control what those groups chose to
give an award for, I strongly encouraged them to honor personal
qualities, characteristics, and contributions that were less promi-
nent than scoring points.
Scoring points is important, but recognition comes automat-
ically to those who are top producers in this area. I wanted recog-
nition given to top producers in other important, but less
obvious, areas.