Page 62 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Wooden on Leadership
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Of course, the choices made by the leader count most of all because
they ultimately make, or break, the organization. This is as true in
business as it is in sports.
The leader must set the example, not only in areas of right and
wrong—character, of course—but elsewhere. Workaholics, for ex-
ample, lack balance. Imbalance, in my opinion, is a weakness that
sooner or later causes problems. The first problem is likely to be in-
consistency in performance.
Thus, in my own life I tried hard to keep my job, coaching bas-
ketball and for many years teaching English, from taking over other
areas of life such as family and friends. I strongly believe a good
leader has the correct priorities and seeks good balance. Endlessly
working 24 hours a day, seven days a week is an imbalanced set of
priorities and eventually hurts your performance in all areas. When
you hurt yourself, you hurt your team.
Being in good mental and moral Condition is crucial to strong
leadership. It starts with good physical Condition, because a leader
lacking it is less likely to summon the strength to stand up and fight
for beliefs, ideals, and standards.
You may have observed how those who weaken themselves phys-
ically often fall prey to an assortment of lapses in the area of good
judgment. Being in good physical, mental, and moral Condition

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND MORAL
CONDITION IS LEADERSHIP STRENGTH

Effective leaders seek balance in their personal and profes-
sional lives. Imbalance in one or the other creates vulnerability
in both. Physical fitness is crucial. So is mental and moral
fitness.