The Seven Point Code

John Wooden was a great basketball coach. His UCLA teams won 10 championships in 12 years (7 of them were consecutive). This success is impressive. However, the players and coaches said that it was Wooden's leadership that set him apart and had the biggest impact on them.

One way he did this was by focusing on his Seven Point Code. 

1. Be true to yourself
2. Make each day your masterpiece
3. Help others
4. Drink deeply from good books
5. Make friendship a fine art
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day
7. Give thanks for your blessings every day 

I thought about how I could personally apply the code. So, here are my thoughts on each one.

1. Be true to yourself
   - Know and live my mission statement and core values. Make big and small decisions that are aligned and reinforce my mission and values.
   - Live with the 'front page' mentality - be comfortable with everyone and their dog finding out what you did (that means your Mom and Dad).
2. Make each day your masterpiece
   - Each day, I am given a gift of 24 hours. I will never ever get it back. I want to use my skills, talents and time to make a positive impact on my family, co-workers, and friends.
3. Help others
   - With a caring heart, serve people by leading well (SAM/POC/GRAD).
   - Make one person's day (via encouragement, thanking them, serving them, caring for them, listening, etc.).
4. Drink deeply from good books
   - Be a lifelong learner.
   - Be curious.
   - Read meaningful books that help you make a difference.
5. Make friendship a fine art
   - Invest in others; meet people where they are at; give people what they need (not want); live the core values, value them by giving them your time and energy.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day
   - Know that hard times will come (professionally, personally, individually, and as a team) and be prepared for them.
   - If you do the right thing for the right reason, things will work out for the best.
7. Give thanks for your blessings every day
   - A thankful heart leads to a positive perspective. This enables me to be more creative and helps me see all the amazing people around me and all the great things happening. It also allows me to encourage people more (via positive feedback). Add all that up --- being thankful helps me to be a more effective leader

I'd encourage you to take a few moments to think about the Seven Point Code. Then apply it. 

Take a chance and lead the Interstates Way!

Scott Peterson