The Most Powerful Four Letter Word

Wooden put the power of teams into perspective when his said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Coach Wooden knew how to build teams. His secret was his example. He said it this way, “In almost every way, the team ultimately becomes a reflection of their leader.” If you don’t like what you see in your team, take a look at yourself. Coach Wooden respected the individuals on the team. He coached them because he cared. And unlike most coaches, the most powerful four letter word in his vocabulary was L-O-V-E.

He said:

Although it may seem out of context in the rough-and-tumble world of sports and corporate competition, I believe you must have love in your heart for the people under your leadership… For me the members of our teams were never plug in parts, “jocks” whose individual value was in direct proportion to the number of points they could score. Never. In fact, next to my own flesh and blood they were the ones closest to me.

Struggling to build a cohesive team?

If you’ve got people that are actively trying to sabotage you or the team, let them go… now! Then start with treating people with respect and doing what you say you will do. Respect and consistency cultivate trust and with trust you’re on your way.