Like you, I’ve had a few great teachers in my life. John Wooden, one of America’s most well-known sports coaches, was just that. He was an extraordinary teacher. Last week he died at the age of 99. But, his legacy will live on through his writing, standards of excellence, and his famous “pyramid for success.”
His fame registered on the national platform with his record-setting achievements as a basketball coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. In fact, ESPN News named him “the Coach of the Century.” The New York Times noted in his obituary that, “he ultimately became viewed as a kind of sage for both basketball and life, a symbol of both excellence and simpler times.”
His accomplishments off the basketball court included being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of America’s highest civilian honors. But above all, he considered himself a teacher and became an author to continue teaching by sharing his life lessons.
With his books, he leaves behind a tremendous legacy that captures the vision, philosophy, and integrity that truly made him a legend. Wooden truly touched the lives of millions and was a rare sports figure whose influence transcended the world of sports.
Here are a few books by John Wooden that are a must for every personal library:
● Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
Outlines his strategies for competitive greatness and it was a Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestseller.
● Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life
Translates Wooden’s philosophy into a self-help handbook.
● Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court
Provides his reflections about basketball and life.
In my book Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success, I highlight the importance of legacy. Thank goodness there are dynamic coaches like John Wooden who went beyond the duty of coach to the calling of lifelong teacher.
