John Wooden Leader Quotations

Effective leaders are, first and foremost, good teachers. We're in the education business.

The true leader isn't really looking for leadership. He's trying to set an example and be in the proper way to get the most productive results and don't realize it. When the followers get something done, if the leader has been what he should, they'll feel like they did it, not him. That's the way it should be.

Not everyone is equipped to be a leader, but in a sense, everyone is a leader to someone, even though you're not equipped. I think parents are a leader to youngsters, teacher are leaders, coaches are leaders, businessmen are leaders.

A leader must listen to those under their supervision.

As a leader, you will receive a large amount of praise and criticism and you should not unduly affected by either.

A strong leader accepts blame and gives the credit. A weak leader gives blame and accepts the credit.

Great leaders are always out front with a banner, instead of behind with a whip.

Many leaders don't listen, and it is one of the greatest methods we have of learning. You need to listen to those under your supervision and to those who are above you.

Leaders must have patience for those under your supervision. Don't expect too much too soon. Maybe it was easy for you, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy for somebody else. Be sure you have patience.

A Coach must never forget that he is a leader and not merely a person with authority.

What a leader learns after you've learned it all counts most of all.

An effective leader develops the ability to correctly identify the pertinent detail or details - incidentals in a market, industry or sport that might create an incremental advantage.

In my opinion, being an effective leader requires being an effective listener. The most productive leaders are usually those who are consistently willing to listen and learn.

While you, the leader, can teach many things, character is not taught easily to adults who arrive at your desk lacking it. Be cautious about taking on reclamation projects regardless of the talent they may possess. Have the courage to make character count among the qualities you seek in others.

An effective leader allows exceptions to the rule for exceptional results or when circumstance demands.

Knowledge is not enough to get desired results. You must have the more elusive ability to teach and to motivate. This defines a leader; if you can't teach and you can't motivate, you can't lead.

A good banker isn't careless with pennies; a good leader isn't sloppy about details.

A leader’s most powerful ally is his or her own example.

As a leader, you must be filled with energy and eagerness, joy and love for what you do. If you lack enthusiasm for your job, you cannot perform to the best of your ability. Industriousness is unattainable without Enthusiasm.