Learning from Yogisms
Brimming with misused words and lopsided logic, Yogi Berra's often funny sayings provide useful insights. Here are some of his quotes and their lessons.
You can observe a lot by just watching.
Don’t close yourself off from people but at the same time don’t feel as if you must tell them what to do.
It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much.
Just because people are talking doesn’t mean anyone is listening.
If the fans don't come out to the ballpark, you can't stop them.
You can't force people to do things. Get them to buy-in first.
If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer.
Transparency is crucial. This requires authenticity and being willing to accept what you don't know rather than faking it.
Anyone who is popular is bound to be disliked.
Popularity has always bred jealousy. Game changers must be aware of this and be willing to become independent of the opinions of others
Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.
Get all the facts before acting on things. Refrain from the desire to spread misinformation in your lust to be an information source.
Never answer anonymous letters.
Today’s world is filled with anonymous comments, many of them negative. Give them no credence.
It ain't the heat, it's the humility. Yogi's fracturing of the word humidity provides insights. Always respect others.
The other teams could make trouble for us if they win.
Respect everyone.
Even Napoleon had his Watergate.
There's always the potential for something to happen that you don’t expect. Stay focused on your true desires.
We made too many wrong mistakes.
Admit any mistakes and implement a plan to move past them.
It ain't over till it's over. If you’re breathing, you are alive.
Treat each day as if it were full of possibilities rather than the same ole limitations you have become accustomed to.
—Adapted from the 2013 Coaching and Leadership Journal