It has returned!! One of my favorite spectator sports is college basketball. In order not to offend anyone, I will hold back from sharing with you who my three favorite teams are. I know that many of you would take it personally, so I will avoid the temptation altogether.
One person who has taught both basketball and life to many a player and person is John Wooden. Arguably, he was one of the greatest coaches to coach the game. You may not find much of what he did, personally, on the court but he taught life to many young men who played under him and to all of those who have ever read things he has authored. Many have become winners, on the court and off, from John Wooden’s leadership instruction.
Over the next few weeks, I want to share some of the traits, or lessons, that Coach Wooden has shared regarding success. I believe they are things that you want in your own personally life and they will make you a better person with each one that you employ.
If you look, coach Wooden created a pyramid of these traits. On the bottom, are the foundation five, my words not his, of success. Creating this layer of foundational principles will support the principles that ride above. (Those will be written on in subsequent posts). He called this the “Pyramid of Success” and it is built on layers.
Across the bottom of his pyramid are five qualities that serve as that foundation.
1. Industrious – ” Success travels in the company of very hard work. There is no trick, no easy way”. It really is true. Very few people are ever lucky. In all areas of life, most successful people have had to work hard at what they do. Marriage, family, management, leaders, self made wealthy individuals – hard work has allowed them to be “lucky”.
2. Friendship – “Strive to build a team filled with camaraderie and respect – comrades-in-arms.” Working together as a team should be more than just getting the job done. We should always look to be a help to those around us and working to build strong relationships with each other. Friendship goes a long way….
3. Loyalty – “Be true to yourself. Be true to those you lead.” Enough said!
4. Cooperation – “Have utmost concern for what’s right rather than who’s right.” It has been attributed to many, including Ronald Reagan, Zig Ziglar and John Wooden, who said, “It is amazing how much can be accomplished, if no one cares who gets the credit”. Cooperation is a strong component to s strong team.
5. Enthusiasm – “Your energy and enjoyment, drive and dedication will stimulate and greatly inspire others.” Be excited about what you do and why you do it. Your positive enthusiasm is contagious to those around you.
Five qualities of a strong foundation in life.