Reference no: EM132679477

To determine how important it is to have a great leader in the coaching position, it may be helpful to use legendary coach John Wooden as a case study. Considered to be one of the greatest coaches of all time, guiding the UCLA men's basketball team to 10 national championship, Wooden and others have attributed his success, in large part, to his abilities as a leader. In this interview with Ron Grover (https://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/may2009/ca20090520_806471.htm), Coach Wooden talks about how his leadership compares to that of leadership in the business sector - particularly how his is more focused on the humanity of people. From Dr. Riggio's article Cutting-Edge Leadership (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201006/the-leadership-john-wooden), Coach Wooden is presented as someone whose leadership largely focuses on those he is leading: the teaching should be athlete-focused, not about the teacher; be your true self so that the athletes can connect with you; and show humility, as your coaching leadership is only successful along with the success of those athletes. Coach Wooden was a great coach, and a great leader.

How much of Coach Wooden's success as a coach was due to his ability to be a great leader?

Is there an intrinsic connection between leadership and coaching, or is it possible to be a great coach without being a great leader?

Would Coach Wooden's legacy as a leader (emphasis on the humanity, teaching, and humility) be as impressive without the success on the court?