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

The Value in Feeling Valued

The individuals who aren’t playing much have a very important role in the development of those who are going to play more. They are needed, and you must let them know it.

Everyone on the team, from the manager to the coach, from a secretary to an owner, has a role to fulfill. That role is valuable if the team is to come close to reaching its potential. The leader must understand this.

Every single member of your team needs to feel wanted and appreciated. If they are on the team, they deserve to be valued and to feel valued. Do you want someone on the team who doesn’t feel necessary and appreciated? How do they find out unless you let them know?

Right after each UCLA basketball game, there would be a press conference ...