May 28, 2010

“This could prove to be a bit of a problem.  My new boss graduated number three in his class at M.I.T. and I’m not even sure I can spell Massachusetts.”

We pay tribute today to John Wooden, perhaps the greatest team coach in the history of organized sports.  More importantly, we pay tribute to a great man.   John Wooden was a teacher.  Teaching is the essence of leadership.  Teacher.  Leader.  Coach. 

In addition to his tremendous character and unbelievable winning record, Coach Wooden left behind some thought-provoking quotes.  They were lessons from a life well-lived.  One of my favorites from the “Wizard of Westwood”:  “It’s not so important who starts the game, but who finishes it.”

Awhile back, a friend of mine was concerned about who might be his new boss.  He had preferences and fears.  His hopes were dashed when the last candidate he wanted to get the position was the one selected for the job.  Apparently, many felt the selection was made based solely on the candidate’s collegiate pedigree.  My friend described his feelings thusly, “This could prove to be a bit of a problem.  My new boss graduated number three in his class at M.I.T. and I’m not even sure I can spell Massachusetts.”

Fortunately, Coach Wooden was right in this case.  It didn’t take long for the new man to fail in his job.  He did not finish the game he started.  My buddy, with consistent performance and hard work, was named as his successor and served very effectively.  While he was not originally considered a “starter”, he did finish.

Unfortunately, not all situations end like basketball games coached by John Wooden.  The best players are not always on the court in business or in life.  Under such conditions, it is best to live by another of Wooden’s maxims:  “Flexibility is the key to stability.”

Flexibility includes doing things like learning to spell Massachusetts.    

Craig Halsey

They Said It

May 28, 2010