Wooden; A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

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Title: Wooden; A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Author: John Wooden with Steve Jamison

Review by: Gary Polson, Cydcor CEO

Description of the book: Coach Wooden is one of the great men of modern time who exemplified the balance of family, success and contribution. If you read any Coach Wooden book, this is the one I recommend.

Why should you read this? This easy-to-read book begins at his foundation: family, values and virtues and then discusses and offers wisdom on the topics of success, achievement, competition and leadership.

My favorite part:

•“Being a role model is the most powerful form of education.
•[People] need good models more than they need critics.”
•“[Happiness is] being at peace with yourself knowing that you are making the effort, the full effort, to do what is right.”
•“’Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.’ If you prepare properly, you may be outscored but you will never lose.”
•“Leaders Listen.” “I feel that hard public criticism embarrasses people, antagonizes them and may discourage them from being receptive to your message.”
•“Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”