Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Dictator Leaders

Abraham Lincoln said, “Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a person’s character give him power.”

I believe there was a difference between General George S. Patton and General Omar Bradley. General Bradley had a great concern for those under his supervision. He knew what had to be done and he wasn’t looking for self-glory.

If you saw the movie Patton, you saw a man who acted as a dictator. While I would want him on my side in time of war, I believe we should lead athletes and associates in a different manner.

There are coaches out there who have won championships with a dictator approach, among them Vince Lombardi and Bobby Knight. I had a different philosophy. I didn’t want to be a dictator to my players or assistant ...