Outwitted By Edwin Markham

He drew the circle that shut me out —

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle that took him in.

 

I am just finishing up Phil Jackson’s book, Eleven Rings. It’s a great book and I’ve learned a lot about leadership and life — not just basketball.

Image courtesy: Chicago Tonight

Outwitted is one of Phil’s favorite poems on the power of inclusion.

As a leader he wanted everyone in the room to have input on the discussions surrounding his teams — coaches and players alike. He believed it stimulated creativity and set a tone of family. He said it was even more important that the players who did not play have a voice. They would then feel involved and excited about the team.

This poem has simple yet powerful message. Have an open heart and go beyond all differences to accept everyone. To the first person in the poem, ideology is most important. To the second person, love is all there is.

What are your thoughts on this philosophy?

~BL