Page 94 - How to Create a Winning Organization

Wooden on Leadership
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RULES TO LEAD BY

It’s Tough to Coach Character.
When parents asked, “Coach Wooden, will you be able to teach my
son character?” I told them no. If they didn’t have it, I couldn’t give
it to them. While you, the leader, can teach many things, character is
not taught easily to adults who arrive at your desk lacking it. Be cau-
tious about taking on “reclamation projects” regardless of the tal-
ent they may possess. Have the courage to make character count
among the qualities you seek in others.

Character Starts with Little Things.
Remember the T-shirts. Every leader should create his or her agenda
of things that make a difference. It could be everything from being
punctual to completing projects on deadline. But it could also be
something a bit subtler, such as how a manager talks to an employee
or administrative assistant. The important thing is to let people
know what you expect of them and to inform individuals when they
violate your code, values, or standards.

Character Is More Than Honesty.
An individual can be honest as the day is long and still be short on
character. How? He or she can be honest but selfish, honest but
undisciplined, honest but unfair, honest but disrespectful, or honest
but lazy. Honesty is a good place to start, but it doesn’t stop there.
There’s more to character than just telling the truth—for both lead-
ers and those on the team.

Beware Those Who’ll Do Whatever It Takes to Win.
Winning at any cost can be very costly—fatal, in fact. A good set of
values is part of successful leadership and great organizations. Be
wary of those who will do anything to win. This is not the attitude
of a great competitor, but rather of a competitor who is greatly
flawed. Find those who love the battle and play by the rules.