The Power of Broom
- 2 minute read.
- Last Updated: 6/25/2025
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, is remembered for his unmatched success on the court. He is arguably the greatest basketball coach of all time, winning 10 NCAA championships in 12 years. However, he might be remembered even more so for the quiet, powerful lessons he taught off the court. One of the most enduring stories about Wooden’s character is that he would often sweep the locker room and gym floor himself before practices. This simple act, seemingly mundane, speaks volumes about his philosophy of leadership, humility, and service.
Wooden’s decision to sweep the floor wasn’t about cleanliness alone. It was a deliberate, symbolic act that reflected his belief in servant leadership. He never asked his players to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. By taking care of the gym, he demonstrated:
- Respect for the space: Wooden believed that the gym was a sacred place for learning and growth. Keeping it clean was a sign of gratitude.
- Attention to detail: Just as he taught players to put on their socks properly to avoid blisters, he showed that excellence begins with the smallest habits.
- Humility in leadership: Despite being one of the most successful coaches in history, Wooden never saw himself as above any task.
This act of sweeping the floor became a metaphor for Wooden’s entire coaching philosophy. He led by example, not by command. He served his players, his staff, and the game itself with quiet dignity. His leadership wasn’t about power or prestige—it was about purpose. If anyone could say sweeping a gym floor is not my job it would be John Wooden, but he was willing to model the behavior for his team. At Covenant Health, we desire to show this same level of respect of our environments, attention to detail, and humility in leadership, being owners, not renters, in our area of expertise.
–Josh Delaney, Learning Management Specialist
Read The Reporter. (2021, October 17). Find your broom. The Hamilton County Reporter. https://readthereporter.com/find-your-broom[1](https://readthereporter.com/find-your-broom/)
Wooden, J., & Jamison, S. (2005). Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization. McGraw-Hill Education
