John Wooden Quotes

Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery.

There is no better way to manage than by walking around. Autocracy doesn't work. Talk to people in their offices, find out what's on their minds.

I don't believe in just ordering people to do things. You have to sort of grab an oar and row with them.

Sometimes, it's good to have a tremendous star, because everyone understands he has to get the ball.

An approachable and authentic CEO is essential to fostering a high-performance, open communications culture.

Collaborate, don't dictate.

Management is nothing more than motivating other people.

When team members openly and passionately share their opinions about a decision, they don't wonder whether anyone is holding back. Then, when the leader has to step in and make a decision because there is no easy consensus, team members will accept that decision because they know that their ideas were heard and considered.

The organization reflects the behavior and characteristics of the CEO, and that establishes the culture. Foster an environment of open communication, and the organization inherits a culture of open communication.

Well, I think I've had the opportunity to be around some great coaches and players. And I have been able to learn a little bit, something different from every single one that I've been around.

Something as simple as transparency is really scalable because it quickly impacts the culture. And the culture is something everyone feels. If upper management is really transparent with everyone, that has this amplifying effect. Then you tend to attract players who operate that way, on the same wavelength, and coaches and fans.

...Obama said, 'I welcome debate among my team, but I won't tolerate division'.

The best leader does not ask people to serve him, but the common end. The best leader has not followers, but men and women working with him.

Governors have to balance budgets. And they have to make decisions. And they have to do things that sometimes aren't popular. And they also have to bring people together to try to solve problems.

Listening can make the difference between a mediocre organization and a great one.

Business and investing are team sports.

You must find a way to get your vision seen, implemented, and contributed to by others.

No matter the organization, the goal, or the mission, you've got to do it through people. It's been that way for me since my first command. I work to understand the people, their views and needs, and how tasks are being carried out.That interaction might cause me to modify my guidance or the way I delegate. It also affords me an opportunity to learn what goals people have and how as their boss I can facilitate their future in ways that not only help them, but also help the ship or the organization.

General personal principle: You are generally successful to the degree others want you to succeed. So get adopted! And, even more importantly, it's amazing how much you can get done when you let other people take credit for it.

The real beginning of influence comes as others sense you are being influenced by them - when they feel understood by you - that you have listened deeply and sincerely, and that you are open.

A company will get nowhere if all of the thinking is left to management.

Communication in every which way is everything for the leader.

I meet regularly with my staff to ensure they are aware of what I want, but also to make sure they have the chance to influence the process and use all of their knowledge to help prepare the group.

A leader must listen to those under their supervision.

Politics really is a team sport. You really have to work the whole system to get somewhere down the road.