Leading Business Teams

Principle 6 Make your “yes” mean yes

DOI: 10.4324/9781003456902-12

Coach led by example and actively and visibly demonstrated the behavior he wanted his players to emulate. He embraced self-discipline through punctuality, preparation, and a tireless work ethic. He never demanded that standards be set or met beyond which he could hold himself accountable.

Wooden was also a man of his word.

In 1948, Coach wanted the then-available University of Minnesota coaching job. In fact, he had been offered the job, but wanted to bring his assistant coaches with him. This was a bit of a sticking point for Frank McCormick, the athletic director at Minnesota, as this meant getting permission from the University of Minnesota President, Lotus Coffman.

It took ...