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Be Quick - But Don't Hurry: Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime
Be Quick, But Don't Hurry presents the team-building management secrets of the greatest coach of the twentieth century, cloaked in the heartwarming tale of the reluctant protege who learned those secrets in spite of himself.
Perhaps the least controversial sports honor in living memory was the selection of John Wooden as "Coach of the Century" by ESPN, honoring his ten NCAA basketball championships in a twelve-year stretch. His UCLA teams won with great centers and with small lineups, with superstars and with team effort, always with quickness, always with class. Wooden was a teacher first and foremost, and his lessons -- taught on the basketball court, but applicable throughout one's life -- are summarized in his famed Pyramid of Success.
Andrew Hill was one of the lucky young men who got to learn from Wooden in his favored classroom -- though that is hardly how Hill would have described it at the time. An all-city high school player in Los Angeles, Hill played -- a little -- on three national champions, from 1970 to 1972. Hill was left embittered by his experience at UCLA; he was upset at how unequally Wooden treated his starting players and his substitutes.
Hill went on to a successful career in television, rising to the presidency of CBS Productions, where he was responsible for the success of such popular series as Touched by an Angel and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Hill's job required him to manage many creative people, with the egos and insecurities that usually go along with such talents. And one day, some twenty-five years after he graduated, he was hit with the realization that everything he knew about getting the best out of people he had learned directly from Coach John Wooden.
With no small trepidation, Hill picked up the phone to call and thank his old coach and unexpected mentor. To his surprise, Wooden greeted him warmly and enthusiastically. A strong friendship, sealed in frequent visits and conversations, ensued, and endures.
Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry! tells the story of that friendship. But it also shares the lessons and secrets that Hill learned from Coach Wooden, which hold the key to managing creatively in the idea-driven economy of the twenty-first century. Among those lessons
-The team with the best players almost always wins
-Be quick, but don't there is never enough time to be sure (and if you are sure, you're probably too late), but you must always keep your balance
-Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
-The team that makes the most mistakes... wins!
Full of sound advice and warm reminiscence, Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry! is the management book of a lifetime.
Perhaps the least controversial sports honor in living memory was the selection of John Wooden as "Coach of the Century" by ESPN, honoring his ten NCAA basketball championships in a twelve-year stretch. His UCLA teams won with great centers and with small lineups, with superstars and with team effort, always with quickness, always with class. Wooden was a teacher first and foremost, and his lessons -- taught on the basketball court, but applicable throughout one's life -- are summarized in his famed Pyramid of Success.
Andrew Hill was one of the lucky young men who got to learn from Wooden in his favored classroom -- though that is hardly how Hill would have described it at the time. An all-city high school player in Los Angeles, Hill played -- a little -- on three national champions, from 1970 to 1972. Hill was left embittered by his experience at UCLA; he was upset at how unequally Wooden treated his starting players and his substitutes.
Hill went on to a successful career in television, rising to the presidency of CBS Productions, where he was responsible for the success of such popular series as Touched by an Angel and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Hill's job required him to manage many creative people, with the egos and insecurities that usually go along with such talents. And one day, some twenty-five years after he graduated, he was hit with the realization that everything he knew about getting the best out of people he had learned directly from Coach John Wooden.
With no small trepidation, Hill picked up the phone to call and thank his old coach and unexpected mentor. To his surprise, Wooden greeted him warmly and enthusiastically. A strong friendship, sealed in frequent visits and conversations, ensued, and endures.
Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry! tells the story of that friendship. But it also shares the lessons and secrets that Hill learned from Coach Wooden, which hold the key to managing creatively in the idea-driven economy of the twenty-first century. Among those lessons
-The team with the best players almost always wins
-Be quick, but don't there is never enough time to be sure (and if you are sure, you're probably too late), but you must always keep your balance
-Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
-The team that makes the most mistakes... wins!
Full of sound advice and warm reminiscence, Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry! is the management book of a lifetime.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
21 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Hill
1 book2 followersLibrarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Andrew Hill spent five and a half years as President of CBS Productions and was, until recently, President of Programming for the Channel One Network. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
Andrew Hill spent five and a half years as President of CBS Productions and was, until recently, President of Programming for the Channel One Network. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading stories from long ago when Andy played for John Wooden. So many great lessons learned from reading this book.
October 14, 2017
Coach John Wooden is arguably one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. Over a 12-year period, Coach Wooden would lead UCLA to 10 National Championships. Although Coach Wooden was a great basketball tactician, he is best known for his coaching philosophy and the transformational effect he had on his athletes, years after they played for him. In the 2002 book, “Be Quick But Don’t Hurry”, Andrew Hill partners with John Wooden to recount the coaching philosophy that guided UCLA to success. Andrew Hill tells the story, not of one of Coach Wooden’s as star players, but by someone who rode the bench. In this story, we learn that sport is not about getting to the next level in sport, but the lessons learned from sport that will make an impact later in life.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Hill dreamed of playing for UCLA. Hill won Western League’s Most Valuable Player while attending University High in West Los Angeles. As a result of his high school success, Coach Wooden offered him the opportunity to play division one basketball at the best college basketball program. Despite his ability, Andrew played three years for coach Wooden but was never in the starting line up. Hill thought Wooden was just a jerk and thought he was being benched for other reasons, such as his outspokenness and political views.
Eight years later, while playing golf, Hill was reminded of an often repeated maxim, “Be quick, but don't hurry”. It was at this moment, Hill realized the impact Coach Wooden had on his life so many years later as he was still living by the principles he learned from his time at UCLA. Despite their differences, Andrew made the hard but life changing call back to Wooden. After plenty of visits to Coach Wooden, Hill developed a deeper understanding of Coach Wooden’s philosophy, not as a coach, but as a teacher. Coach Wooden’s goal was not to National Championships but to develop the character of each player. He didn’t look for the best players; he looked for the players he knew he connected with.
Andrew Hill did not write this book as an autobiography, but as homage to the legacy of coach John Wooden. Wooden was known for his consistent coaching philosophy, which was summarized as his Pyramid of Success and his maxims, in which he would teach life lessons. Sometimes when you don’t think you are learning something but your really learning the most important stuff of your life. Coach Wooden would use his Pyramid of Success to describe the character traits, such as enthusiasm and industriousness to develop personal success. These lessons were to teach all players on his team about personal success, regardless of position, ability or stature. Coach Wooden was relentless on his demand from his players, as there was always something better to be done and with the right attitude, it could be accomplished. One of Wooden’s famous maxims, which is the namesake of the book, are “Be Quick but Don’t Hurry”, in which he would tell his players that if you wanted something done you had to be quick, but if you hurry you will make mistakes.
Also, anyone involved in sports interested about the philosophy it takes to win and succeed would enjoy reading, “Be quick but don’t hurry” by Andrew Hill with John Wooden. I believe anyone involved in any type of sport should read this book so they can understand how Coach Wooden’s philosophies can develop personal and team success. Throughout this book Andrew makes you feel like you are one of Wooden's players and as a reader you feel the frustration of not playing. The amount of success Coach Wooden has had in his lifetime is unbelievable and would not have been done without his simple but complicated philosophy of the pyramid of success. After reading this book my view about winning and being able to connect with coaches has changed. Anyone that would want to learn not only about the philosophy to win but also the philosophy to become a man that can survive in the real world should read this book.
Word Count #691
Growing up in Los Angeles, Hill dreamed of playing for UCLA. Hill won Western League’s Most Valuable Player while attending University High in West Los Angeles. As a result of his high school success, Coach Wooden offered him the opportunity to play division one basketball at the best college basketball program. Despite his ability, Andrew played three years for coach Wooden but was never in the starting line up. Hill thought Wooden was just a jerk and thought he was being benched for other reasons, such as his outspokenness and political views.
Eight years later, while playing golf, Hill was reminded of an often repeated maxim, “Be quick, but don't hurry”. It was at this moment, Hill realized the impact Coach Wooden had on his life so many years later as he was still living by the principles he learned from his time at UCLA. Despite their differences, Andrew made the hard but life changing call back to Wooden. After plenty of visits to Coach Wooden, Hill developed a deeper understanding of Coach Wooden’s philosophy, not as a coach, but as a teacher. Coach Wooden’s goal was not to National Championships but to develop the character of each player. He didn’t look for the best players; he looked for the players he knew he connected with.
Andrew Hill did not write this book as an autobiography, but as homage to the legacy of coach John Wooden. Wooden was known for his consistent coaching philosophy, which was summarized as his Pyramid of Success and his maxims, in which he would teach life lessons. Sometimes when you don’t think you are learning something but your really learning the most important stuff of your life. Coach Wooden would use his Pyramid of Success to describe the character traits, such as enthusiasm and industriousness to develop personal success. These lessons were to teach all players on his team about personal success, regardless of position, ability or stature. Coach Wooden was relentless on his demand from his players, as there was always something better to be done and with the right attitude, it could be accomplished. One of Wooden’s famous maxims, which is the namesake of the book, are “Be Quick but Don’t Hurry”, in which he would tell his players that if you wanted something done you had to be quick, but if you hurry you will make mistakes.
Also, anyone involved in sports interested about the philosophy it takes to win and succeed would enjoy reading, “Be quick but don’t hurry” by Andrew Hill with John Wooden. I believe anyone involved in any type of sport should read this book so they can understand how Coach Wooden’s philosophies can develop personal and team success. Throughout this book Andrew makes you feel like you are one of Wooden's players and as a reader you feel the frustration of not playing. The amount of success Coach Wooden has had in his lifetime is unbelievable and would not have been done without his simple but complicated philosophy of the pyramid of success. After reading this book my view about winning and being able to connect with coaches has changed. Anyone that would want to learn not only about the philosophy to win but also the philosophy to become a man that can survive in the real world should read this book.
Word Count #691
February 12, 2019
Good advice on concistency, collaboration, persistence and respect. Wrapped in stories around Andrews interactions with Wooden. The books advice is timeless, but the book reads a bit dated and is not that engaging.
I found myself wishing for either more details on transferring the advice into other areas of organisations and life - or less. My advice would be to read it quickly, but not in hurry :-D
I found myself wishing for either more details on transferring the advice into other areas of organisations and life - or less. My advice would be to read it quickly, but not in hurry :-D
January 20, 2025
I listened to this one and the author read it. I really liked that. It was kind of like a conversation. I didn’t know much about John Wooden and I liked learning about him as a coach and a person. Finished the book and went to UCLA and loved seeing all his memorabilia.
December 19, 2017
Interesting introduction: I anticipated a story from the beginning till the end to praise JW, yet it appeared more realistic, showing many normal (perfect and imperfect) sides of the couch.
[-Mistakes are unavoidable
-Can't be a people pleaser
]
[-Mistakes are unavoidable
-Can't be a people pleaser
]
February 27, 2018
Perhaps one of the best books i've read on how to apply principles in your real life and how sometimes, you don't realize how vital life lessons are until much later in life or too late.
September 16, 2019
Great book on the teachings of John Wooden.
April 9, 2020
B+. Former Wooden player reflects on his playing days and relates it to business career. 3.5
January 9, 2023
I was a big UCLA fan back at the end of John Wooden’s career. It’s a good book to read about business and Wooden’s coaching and teach his pyramid of success.
February 4, 2023
I loved this book! Andy Hill did a great job capturing the wisdom of John Wooden while telling the story of their relationship.
November 10, 2023
Great book to inspire you to be your best at all times.
January 3, 2015
“Be Quick – But Don't Hurry! Finding Success In The Teachings Of A Lifetime” by Andrew Hill with John Wooden is a simple look at some of the principles the legendary basketball coach lived by and taught, along with the reflections of Hill's relationship with his coach. It is a quick read and an interesting one. I found myself enjoying both the personal stories of the author and his relationship with Coach Wooden, which wasn't always positive one, and the brief descriptions and examples of Wooden's principles.
The first 60 pages describe the relationship between the two and how they reconnected. (Hill primarily sat on the bench when playing for Wooden's team, and he resented it for years.) However, after rekindling the relationship, Hill looked at how the lessons he learned playing basketball helped with his career at CBS.
The next part of the book contains 21 lessons, each one being explained in a few pages. They are simple, direct, and to the point. It makes for a good summary of the principles and philosophy Wooden taught. Things like, “Make your 'yes' mean yes,” and “Teamwork is not a preference, it's a necessity.”
The book then concludes with a bit on the pairs relationship when working on this book.
If you are looking for a quick summary of Wooden's principles and would like to know a first hand account of what one of his players felt, this is a good quick read. If you want to delve deeper into these principles, there are other works that are longer and more complete. Overall, I enjoyed it and it was a good reminder of 21 important lessons.
The first 60 pages describe the relationship between the two and how they reconnected. (Hill primarily sat on the bench when playing for Wooden's team, and he resented it for years.) However, after rekindling the relationship, Hill looked at how the lessons he learned playing basketball helped with his career at CBS.
The next part of the book contains 21 lessons, each one being explained in a few pages. They are simple, direct, and to the point. It makes for a good summary of the principles and philosophy Wooden taught. Things like, “Make your 'yes' mean yes,” and “Teamwork is not a preference, it's a necessity.”
The book then concludes with a bit on the pairs relationship when working on this book.
If you are looking for a quick summary of Wooden's principles and would like to know a first hand account of what one of his players felt, this is a good quick read. If you want to delve deeper into these principles, there are other works that are longer and more complete. Overall, I enjoyed it and it was a good reminder of 21 important lessons.
September 9, 2016
John Wooden has always been an inspirational figure for me, as both a teacher and a coach. This book was an interesting way of learning from him, through his former player, Andy Hill. The "Secrets" that Andy shares in this book are certainly worthwhile to apply to my own profession and life. I have grown to love books like this and hope to find similar ones to read in the future.
February 1, 2009
This book is a great read. Easy, fast, short, full of great wisdom, it's a description of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden's coaching philosophy and strategies. Well worth the read for anyone who's into sports, or wants to hear a new angle on management or life in general.
January 17, 2016
Good stuff. Started reading it when Megan was in junior high basketball. Finished now that she is a college sophomore.
Never really followed Coach Wooden, but I should help. He is my style of coach. And he is my style of man.
Never really followed Coach Wooden, but I should help. He is my style of coach. And he is my style of man.
February 28, 2013
How a player took in coaches teachings and applied it in his life. Excellent book about how teachers messages are still heard and are still working years after they are first implemented.
August 13, 2016
Wooden's principles applied to business. I liked it, but much preferred My Personal Best.
August 9, 2014
As a coach and business leader, for me this book is one of the best teaching books.
June 26, 2015
Very good book from someone who makes the link between basketball, or sports in general, and business.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews