Great Leaders "Hall of Fame"

There are several nationally acclaimed “Hall of Fame” museums dedicated to honoring and preserving history, educating and maintaining the connection from one generation to the next. Why not add one more, the Great Leaders Hall of Fame—with emphases on the word “Great”.

On June 4, 2010, America received notice that Coach John Wooden had died. I listened to the various tributes to his success and his character as attested by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Opening remarks found on http://www.foxsports.com/ began with “John Wooden, college basketball's gentlemanly Wizard of Westwood who built one of the greatest dynasties in all of sports at UCLA and became one of the most revered coaches ever… He taught the team game and had only three hard-and-fast rules — no profanity, tardiness or criticizing fellow teammates…’What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player,’ was one of Wooden's key messages… His enduring legacy as a role model is one we should all strive to emulate…Even with his staggering accomplishments, he remained humble and gracious.” http://msn.foxsports.com/collegebasketball/story/John-Wooden-dies-UCLA-coach-99-060410
July 19, 2010 at 12:29 AM.

A few weeks later, America received the news that another well known figure in the sports industry had also died, George Steinbrenner, the owner of the Yankees. Remarks found on http://www.foxsports.com/ started with “He was baseball's bombastic Boss”, and continued with remarks like, “...When he thought the club's parking lot was too crowded…Steinbrenner…had a guard check every driver's credential…But he also tried to make up for his temper with good deeds and often-unpublicized charitable donations…He also was banned for 2 1/2 years for paying self-described gambler Howie Spira to obtain negative information on outfielder Dave Winfield, with whom Steinbrenner was feuding...Through it all, Steinbrenner lived up to his billing as ''The Boss,'' a nickname he clearly enjoyed as he ruled with an iron fist... Under his often brutal but always colorful reign, the Yankees won seven World Series championships, 11 American League pennants and 16 AL East titles...” http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/AP-source-Yankees-George-Steinbrenner-dies-at-80-94991842, July 18, 2010 at 11:30 PM.

It is without a doubt that both of these men achieved great things, helped others, and were quite charitable beyond that which most of us could ever imagine; however the way in which they conducted themselves and made things happen appear to be quite different. Yet, men still sing their collective praise. Why? When it comes to “greatness” do the means always justify the ends?

Okay, I will agree both men left an impression on the world. But, the purpose of the “Great Leaders Hall of Fame Museum”, as with the other Hall of Fame Museums, would be to serve as an example for future young leaders. We could talk about the importance of “doing no harm”, “walking the walk”, maintaining one’s values and beliefs, and respecting others. We could include leaders from all walks of life—business, medical, universities, sports, entertainment, political, etc. And let’s not forget, we (collectively) get to define the criteria for “greatness in leadership”.

The opening remarks for nominations to the Great Leaders Hall of Fame would not start with statements that ring of “pardon the mess he/she left behind, but in spite of himself/herself the following things were achieved during their reign…” I seek not to be the judge of any man for as the bible states “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?; but, without trying to define what’s in a man’s heart it would still be a step in a positive direction to exemplify great character. Think about it, so many of the key figures the current generation of future leaders looks up to are failing short. Of course, perfection is not possible for any man or woman, and everyone can change (if they so desire).

The plumb for greatness cannot be placed at the crossroads of what was achieved while ignoring the “how”. We can’t allow a leaders ability to inspire, to win or to earn millions become our only criteria for ‘greatness”. Many have inspired, but how? Many have won, but how? Many have earned millions, but how? Or perhaps we should let them all in and just place an asterisk by the name of those in question.

There appears to be a magnitude of difference between leaders who honor and respect others and those who don’t.

Challenge Round: If these simple criteria’s won’t do, then what would? What character traits would be a must for you? Can you juxtapose leaders in similar fields or pursuits where the “how” differed?

Sidebar: here is a link to Coach John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” http://www.coachwooden.com/index2.html