Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you

Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you

John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach, is often quoted as saying, “Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you.” This piece of advice from Wooden is not only applicable to the world of sports but also to various aspects of life. Wooden believed that having intelligent and opinionated individuals around you can lead to growth, learning, and ultimately success.

Wooden himself surrounded himself with a team of assistant coaches, players, and staff who challenged his ideas and decisions. He understood that having people who were not afraid to voice their opinions and provide constructive criticism was essential for personal and professional development. Wooden valued diversity of thought and believed that through healthy debate and discussion, better decisions could be made.

In the context of coaching basketball, Wooden’s philosophy of surrounding oneself with smart people who will argue with you is particularly relevant. As a coach, it is important to have assistant coaches who bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. By engaging in discussions and debates with these individuals, a coach can gain new insights, strategies, and approaches to the game. This collaborative approach to coaching can lead to improved performance, team cohesion, and ultimately, success on the court.

Furthermore, Wooden’s advice can also be applied to personal growth and development. Surrounding oneself with intelligent and challenging individuals can push one out of their comfort zone and encourage them to think critically and creatively. By engaging in debates and discussions with these individuals, one can expand their knowledge, broaden their horizons, and develop new skills.