Tag: John Wooden

Ability and Character

August 19, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

John Wooden is famous for many reasons, one of which is his leadership thoughts. He once said, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

In the recent Olympics, we witnessed people with great ability, amazing talent.

However, many who possess great ability can demonstrate little character. Without character, regardless of the ability, it is impossible to have lasting leadership.

Perhaps the major difference is the idea of being at the top, because spiritual leadership is about the humility to be at the bottom and to remain humble enough to stay there.

This is where leadership character is demonstrated best.

Right the First Time

January 20, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Too many times we put forth just enough effort to get by, not to do it right, and certainly not to excel.

John Wooden once asked, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

As spiritual leaders, the results of only doing enough to get by are tragic. Souls are at stake! If we fail to do it right, there may never be enough time to do it over. We may only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Recognize the need, but also the urgency, to do it right the first time.

A Little Each Day

October 12, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The power of improving a little each day cannot be overstated. John Wooden expressed this idea by saying, “When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens — and when it happens, it lasts.”

Imagine how much more could be accomplished and how enduring when leaders work on developing their leadership a little each day.

Ability vs Character…

January 19, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

John Wooden once said, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

We have all seen people with great ability, college and professional athletes, musicians, and others in the entertainment field. However, ability does not equal character.

Without character, regardless of the ability, it is impossible to have lasting leadership.

Nothing is more significant for spiritual leaders than humility. When spiritual influence is guided by a humble spirit, character naturally follows. When combined with ability, we find the staying power of Christlike leadership.

Character and Reputation…

July 19, 2019 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

People watch their leaders. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual leaders. The life of a spiritual leader is under the microscope 24/7. 

Consider John Wooden’s observation, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Sadly, we live in a culture where we are afraid to hurt someone’s feelings, or offend them. Therefore, we tend to be more concerned with the way others see us, than developing the right character.

There needs to be a good balance in the way we approach relationships. 

If we focus on our character, the rest has a way of working out appropriately.

Purchase saltLesson Booklets

Subscriptions

Subscribe by RSS

Subscribe by email

* indicates required