John Wooden's Passing

John Wooden, the legendary coach of UCLA and a modern day philosopher is dead at age 99. I read an article about his legendary status, plus I've seen some interviews over the years. There is no doubt that Wooden was a leader, scholarly, and a man of deep resources.

The article I read talked about how do know success? Basically we know it when we see it, but it is hard to put descriptive details to.

Years ago when I was going to graduate from college, the first time, in 1967 I got caught up in the interviewing process. It was a big deal. I went to Chevrolet, Saginaw Steering gear, Republic Steel in Chicago, and other various locations including J I Case, the company I eventually went to work for. One of the interviews was with either B.F. Goodrich or Goodyear Tire in Dayton, OH. I'm pretty sure it Goodyear. Regardless it was a huge factory that produced many types of tires. I was interviewed by the plant manager, a man whose name I cannot recall, but whose interview was memorable.

He asked me if I played on successful high school athletic teams. Unfortunately I did not, however I was a standout in football and basketball. He asked me a number of questions that were looking for natural leadership talents, people skills or potential management skills. However, towards the end of the interview he asked me there were one thing I could have in my life, what would it be? I hemmed and hawed. We talked about wealth, but there are a lot of wealthy people who are truly unhappy and misdirected. We talked about health, but there are people who have severe handicaps and/or afflictions who seem to lead full productive lives. Finally after some minutes of a deer in the headlight stare he said how about "peace of mind."

We talked about that and through the years I've kept that story in my heart and head. John Wooden came to the same conclusion, only Mr. Wooden's went a bit further by expressing the idea that peace of mind comes from knowing that you have tried your very best, you've given all. You may not have become rich, I did not. You may not have happiness all of the time, I've been divorced and am a recovering alcoholic. So there are some aspects of life I have fallen somewhat short in. But, what I am good at is managing people and organizations. There I have given my all. I am confident in my capability, I have lead a number of organizations and have received accolades from the people in those organizations. I have peace of mind that I tried, I gave my all, I am a successful man. God Bless you John Wooden and thanks for the outstanding character you've shown all of us through these years.