In Coach John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, cooperation is defined as an essential quality: "Do this with all levels of your colleagues. Listen if you want to be heard. Be interested in finding the best way, not having your own way."
Coach Wooden often reflected on how technology and progress unite people like never before. He highlighted the countless individuals involved in high-speed travel, the space program—where thousands collaborated on every launch—and global media delivering instant news worldwide. "It's a small world," he said. "Consider the food we eat, the transportation we use, the clothes we wear—nearly every aspect of daily life depends on others. To maximize our potential, we must cooperate with them."
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Breaking down his definition, Coach Wooden's three keys to cooperation are:
1. "With all levels of your colleagues."
A young man once asked Coach Wooden for advice as he started his first management role: "Next week, I'm launching a new department. What guidance do you have?"
"Make sure your team knows they are working with you, not for you," Coach replied. The young man pressed for more, and Coach patiently repeated: "Make sure the people in your department know they are working with you, not for you."
2. "Listen if you want to be heard."
One evening, I had a lively phone call with my mother-in-law, Nan Wooden (Coach's daughter), debating a point of disagreement. Midway, she paused: "Honey, are you listening to me, or just planning your response?" I was guilty as charged—I'd been formulating my reply instead of truly hearing her. Listen actively, and you'll foster far better cooperation.
3. "Be interested in finding the best way, not having your own way."
In the 1970 NCAA Championship, UCLA trailed Jacksonville University, led by dominant center Artis Gilmore. After a timeout, a strategic adjustment—suggested by player Sidney Wicks—turned the tide. Gilmore shot just 9-of-29, and UCLA won 80-69 for their sixth title. Coach Wooden's openness to ideas from all levels created a safe environment for input, embodying his mantra: "What is right is more important than who is right."
We reach our full potential only through others' cooperation. Coach Wooden's checklist guides us to earn and sustain it.
