Leadershipbydesign
News From LBD

June 2012 Volume 4 Issue 6

 

The Art of "Self Leadership"

 

    Today's leaders must do more than manage change; they must thrive on it, and thrive on it with integrity. 

 

    John Wooden, Hall of Fame basketball coach and renowned teacher and philosopher, believed that a leader's most powerful ally is his or her own example. Affectionately known as the "Wizard of Westwood," Wooden had an unparallel record as a player and coach. He was the college player of the year at Purdue in 1932 and coached UCLA to 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, including 88 consecutive wins in the 1970's.  

 

    Former NBA greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton are just two of his many disciples. Both are very vocal advocates of Wooden as a man, coach and mentor. He didn't merely teach basketball. He taught young men the principles that would enable them to be successful in all of life's endeavors. Former players, who are now high school and college coaches or business and community leaders, proudly continue his legacy.They are now having a similar impact on the lives of future generations. He was a great teacher, great molder of character, motivator and leader. His records provided notoriety; his example, and the ability to develop people and teams earned him respect as a leader. For years, after his coaching days ended, he would travel the country teaching organizations how to successfully develop individuals and teams. He was a humble man that inspired greatness. A "Seven Point Creed," given to him by his father upon graduation from grammar school, was the foundation of his value system and  leadership; a value system we could use more of today. The creed is:

 

*Be true to yourself.

*Make each day your masterpiece.

*Help others.

*Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.

*Make friendship a fine art.

*Build a shelter against a rainy day.

*Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.  

 


What Leaders are Reading
  

Pyramid of Success by John Wooden

 

    In this book, Wooden discusses the  building blocks for winning at sports and life. He lived those building blocks, believed in them, continued to develop them and he taught them to others. His life was dedicated to being a better person, leading by example and helping others being the best they could be. 

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Leadeship Tip of The Month  

  

 

The art of self leadership begins with values. 

   

Do you know what your value system is?  Do you live by your values and lead with them each and every day?

 

You have a value system. It is measured not by what you say, rather by what you do and how you lead others.

Values are usually influenced by our spiritual beliefs and family.

 However, more and more we are influenced by the environment around us. This can be good and bad.

Unfortunately many leaders today, in their drive for success, water down or abandon their values. Saying one leads with integrity sounds sexy,  yet rarely delivered.

Organizations around the world are trying to adopt, communicate and operate under a statement of core values.

Research has shown that employees are happier and more productive when they work for an organization they trust and can believe in. However, the delivery of those values comes from the organization's leadership. If leadership doesn't "walk the walk" employee and consumer confidence will wane. 

 

 

For additional information contact LBD.
John Branstad
John Branstad
 

Quote of the Month


 "If you think of vision and mission as an organization's head and heart, the values it holds are its soul." 

          Buzotta

 

John Branstad
www.leadershipbydesign.org
763-213-5267