Wooden's Wisdom | Leadership Resource Center

Issue 631 - When You Are Told No… Ask Why (Jia Jiang and John Wooden)


Wooden's Wisdom - Volume 12	Issue 631
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WHEN YOU ARE TOLD NO… ASK WHY (JIA JIANG AND JOHN WOODEN) John Wooden Video Clip (1 min. 5 sec.): Coach Wooden is asked: "What one piece of advice do you wish you were given when you started?" Sage and interesting idea to consider. In his must-read book, "Rejection Proof," ( https://www.rejectiontherapy.com/100-days-of-rejection-therapy ), Jia Jung makes the point that when you are rejected you should: "Ask "WHY" before GOOD-BYE." He put it this way: "There is a reason behind every decision that people make, whether it’s logical and well thought out or emotional and spur of the moment. Knowing the reason behind a rejection can help dissipate, or even dissolve, any of the pain one might feel otherwise. Many of the people who rejected me did so not because of the merit of my request, or because of anything about me, but for a completely different reason—sometimes one that was easily addressable. Once I understood that, I realized I was able to cope with the rejection much more easily. I even learned to use rejections as learning experiences to make my requests even better the next time. There’s only an upside to asking "why." After all, you have been rejected already. And the insight you might glean from the response you get could prove valuable. Indeed, asking "why" can even be a tool for turning a rejection into an acceptance." The cornerstone of John Wooden’s success was his unrelenting curiosity (constantly asking why). Denny Crum felt one of Coach Wooden’s greatest strengths was that: "He didn’t feel he knew it all. He was always searching for ways to improve." If you don’t ask "why" you won’t learn a new "how". Do you ask "why" or just walk away? Click here for personal development exercise: Issue 631. Click here for Printable Poetry: Issue 631. Yours in Coaching, Craig Impelman www.woodenswisdom.com Follow @woodenswisdom	COACH'S FAVORITE POETRY AND PROSE Sacrifices Behind full many a gift there lies A splendid tale of sacrifice. On Christmas morn a mother's hand About a young girl's neck will place A trinket small, and she will stand With radiant smiles upon her face To see her daughter decked in gold, Nor will she think, nor will she care That she may suffer from the cold Because that bauble glistens there. A child will wake on Christmas Day And find his stocking filled with toys; The home will ring with laughter gay, That boy be glad as richer boys. And there a mother fond will sing A song of joy to hear his shout, Forgetting every needed thing That she will have to do without. A heart that's brimming o'er with love Will suffer gladly for a friend, And take no time in thinking of How much it can afford to spend. And suddenly on Christmas morn Will gladness beam from shining eyes, A gladness that alone was born Of someone's willing sacrifice. Let cynics scoff howe'er they will And say but fools such presents give, There'll be such sacrifices till All human love shall cease to live. 'Twould be a dreary world of thrift, Of barren ways, and sunless skies, If no one ever gave a gift That was not born of sacrifice. The brightest gifts that us reward Are those the givers can't afford. Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959)
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