Page 73 - How to Create a Winning Organization

The Heart of the Pyramid
Many years ago, when I had the great honor of leading others, I 55
truly felt that if I had been a good teacher, I could sit in the stands
during a game without witnessing any diminution in the quality
of UCLA’s performance—but only if I had done my job correctly;
if I had taught Competitive Greatness to our team.

FAITH AND PATIENCE
On the journey to Success, you will face frustration and fatigue, set-
backs and serious obstacles; but a leader must remain undaunted.
Thus, I added mortar at the top of the Pyramid in the form of
Patience and Faith. At the apex they are symbolic and remind us that
these two qualities must be present throughout the Pyramid, hold-
ing the blocks and tiers firmly in place. A leader must have Faith that
things will work out as they should—a boundless belief in the future.
A wise leader also knows that accomplishing important things
takes time. If difficult goals could be achieved quickly, more peo-
ple would be achievers. But, most people, and many leaders, lack
real Patience. Benjamin Franklin understood its value quite well:
“Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience.”
Success is always attainable when defined correctly, that is, as
making the effort to do the best of which you are capable. With
that as your standard you will not fail. The 15 personal qualities,
these durable blocks of the Pyramid, if embraced and acted upon,
will elevate you and your organization to success.
My father’s words described it well: “When you’ve done your
best you may call yourself a success.” You may also call yourself a
Great Competitor—a leader who resides at the top.

SUCCESS
As a teacher, coach, and leader, my goal was always to help those
under my leadership reach the ultimate level of their competency,