Page 29 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Introduction
to accomplish because it runs contrary to almost everything we see 11
and hear nowadays, especially in the sports and business sections
of the newspapers. Believe it or not, it was no different when I was
a young man. Then and now, all most people care to think about
is, “Who won the race?” Nevertheless, I tell you with certainty that
when you accomplish the formidable task of making the full, 100
percent effort to do your best and teach your organization to do
the same, you may call yourself a success because you are one.

ONLY YOU KNOW IF YOU SUCCEED
In 1959–1960, UCLA struggled to stay above .500, and, in fact,
we had to win our last game of the season to finish with a record of
14–12. From a win-loss point of view, it was the worst year I’d ever
had as head coach at UCLA. Some fans began to grumble about
our “poor” results: “The program is mired down,” some said,
“Wooden can’t win in the postseason”; “UCLA doesn’t have a post-
season.” And there were other things said along that line. I had a
different opinion.
The 1959–1960 season had been a success and pleased me a
great deal, especially when I recalled a prediction made by Sam Bal-
ter, a well-known broadcaster and sports writer. In assessing
UCLA’s chances at the start of the year, he said, “I’ll push a peanut
with my nose down The Miracle Mile in Beverly Hills if UCLA
isn’t below .500 this year.” I received no calls from anyone who dis-
agreed with Sam’s prediction—and for good reason.
The preceding year—1958–1959—UCLA had been third in
our conference. Four of the five starters on that squad wouldn’t be
returning, including future Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson,
Denny Crum (later to coach Louisville to two NCAA national
championships), and Walt Torrence, perhaps the best player on
the team.