Leaders Can Learn From Yogisms

Brimming with malapropism and lopsided logic, the late Yogi Berra's often funny sayings can provide useful leadership insights. Here are some of his quotes and their lessons.

• You can observe a lot by just watching. Do not close yourself off from the people you are leading.
• It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much. Good teams speak with one voice.
• If the fans don't come out to the ballpark, you can't stop them. You can't force team members to do things. Get them to buy first.
• If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer. Transparency is crucial to being a good leader. This requires knowing what you don't know rather than faking it. 
• Anyone who is popular is bound to be disliked. Popularity has always bred jealousy. Leaders must beware of this happening within a team.
• Half the lies they tell about me aren't true. Leaders should get all the facts before acting on things that may affect their team members. Refrain from the desire to spread misinformation in your lust to be an information source.
• Never answer anonymous letters. Today’s world of athletics is filled with anonymous comments, many of them negative. Give them no credence and for God’s sake stay off the message boards! 
• It ain't the heat, it's the humility. Berra's fracturing of the word humidity provides insights for leaders. Always respect others. Humble leaders get the most consistent effort from their followers. 
• The other teams could make trouble for us if they win. Respect everyone and prepare for every opponent. 
• Even Napoleon had his Watergate. There's always the potential for a flare-up that will have an impact on your team. Stay on top of what goes on beneath the surface within your team.
• We made too many wrong mistakes. Admit any mistakes and implement a plan to fix them.
• It ain't over till it's over. You have to play the entire game and season to know the final outcome. Never give up on your team.

—The Coaching and Leadership

The Wit and Wisdom of Yogi Berra