Why Caring is the Strongest Value of Winning Leaders

Strong leaders care about those they lead. But this isn’t about being soft and mushy. It’s about helping others see their potential, and then fulfilling it.

One of the reasons people appreciate following various sports teams is to witness the visible results that can occur in a single season, under the leadership of a strong coach. This is especially true with college sports teams.

Consider how a coach transforms a group of men or women to see and realize their full potential, working together to win a game, and then multiple games. And they do this in a matter of months, not years.

Here I’m reminded of a Values Quote I did a few years ago about John Wooden, one of the most revered coaches in the history of sports. He was a true servant leader who demonstrated the power of caring, leading his UCLA basketball players to incredible victories – personally and professionally. Just listen to UCLA basketball legends talk about John Wooden here.

Caring is one of the strongest values that winning leaders possess.

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Today’s quote is from John Wooden, the infamous basketball coach of UCLA that won 10 national championships in a 12-year period.

One of Wooden’s great quotes was:
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

Wooden knew what he was talking about, as he was named the “greatest coach of all time” and was truly loved by his players.

Why? Because his players knew Wooden cared about them.

As a differentiating value, Caring means to feel concern or interest. It also means providing attention or treatment.

Wooden’s players felt his sincere concern and his personal attention to help them be the best they could be. He did not baby them. His caring was rooted in their potential.

Interestingly, Wooden’s statement can be applied two ways: do what you can do for others, and do what you can do for yourself.

When we embrace the value of caring, then we should not focus on what we cannot do. Rather we should focus our efforts on what we can do. That’s what produces winning results!