In 2002, legendary UCLA coach John Wooden shared profound insights on leadership with the UCLA Coaching Development Program, drawing from Wilferd Peterson's essay "The Art of Leadership" in his book The Art of Living.
Related: John Wooden's Legacy of Leadership
Peterson defines leadership simply and clearly: a leader is someone who deserves followers through earned recognition. Authority alone no longer commands respect.
The leader is a servant. As the Master said, "And whoever would be chief among you, let him be your servant."
The leader sees through the eyes of his followers. The leader doesn't say, "Go ahead!" Instead, he says, "Let's go!" and leads the way. He doesn't walk with a whip; he is in front with a banner.
The leader assumes his followers are working with him, not for him. He sees that they share the rewards. It glorifies team spirit.
The leader is a builder. The more people he can build, the stronger the organization will be, including himself.
Related: Do These 7 Things If You Want To Become A Leader
The leader trusts people. He believes in them, trusts them and thus gets the best out of them.
The leader uses his heart as well as his head. After looking at the facts with his head, he lets his heart take a look too. He's a friend.
The leader plans and sets things in motion. He is a man of action as well as a man of thought.
The leader has a sense of humor. This is not a plush shirt. He can laugh at himself. He has a humble spirit.
The leader can be directed. He is not interested in having his own way, but in finding the best way. He has an open mind.
The leader keeps his eyes on high goals. He strives to make the efforts of his followers and himself contribute to the enrichment of character, the realization of a more abundant life for all, and the betterment of all.
In his book Practical Modern Basketball, Coach Wooden summarized: "The coach who makes a sincere and determined effort to follow the ideas and ideals of leadership that I learned from Mr. Peterson's dissertation is certain to improve leadership skills and increase a team's chances of success."
"A team without leadership is like a rudderless ship that is certain to wander aimlessly and will likely turn in circles and won't get anywhere."
"Of course the coach has to know the game and know his players to be able to provide good leadership, but he has to achieve, welcome and take full responsibility."
Related: How to set a good example
