Book Review: The Carolina Way by Dean Smith

The Carolina Way: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Coaching by Dean Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always dreaded basketball days in gym class.  It terrified me that someone might pass the ball to me and I would have to do something with it.  Running track was OK, until they introduced relays. The idea of letting down teammates was what I just couldn't stand.  Still can't, really.  So I truly admire athletes who want the ball - the ones with the confidence to know they can contribute when the hopes and dreams of others are riding on it.

Apparently, though, the skills and style that get one noticed by college basketball scouts - outstanding individual accomplishment and big numbers - have to be overcome to be successful at the college and pro levels.  According to the great coaches, including Dean Smith, basketball is a team game and success only comes to those who share.  In the chapter called "Breaking Bad Habits" he says "Many good high school players are taught to be selfish. They're used to being 'the Man.'  They're the best players on their teams, so sometimes the coaches encourage them to take the most shots and not too worry too much about playing defense."   They had a rigorous re-orientation program for North Carolina freshman. Play hard. Play together. Play smart. 

John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, and Phil Jackson also wrote of this phenomenon in their books on leadership, but Smith stands out because he worked in conjunction with a business professor who put Smith's coaching principles into a business context. On breaking bad habits, Dr. Gerald Bell had this to say: "...the fact is that when recruits come to work, their knowledge is often very limited. They often have great intellectual ability and academic knowledge but little wisdom. They lack the people skills and the judgment to work with others to implement solutions to business problems. There's a large gap between where they are and where they need to be, but they can't see it." He then describes some on-boarding exercises to help young professionals grow into their roles.  This was a brilliant idea for a book executed with wisdom and care.

Dean Smith died last weekend and will be well remembered by many grateful people, including some of the world's most successful basketball superstars (Michael Jordan) and also by at least one random Ohio woman who grew up afraid of the ball.

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Book Review: The Winners Manual

The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life by Jim Tressel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So the Ohio State football season opened yesterday and I was not in front of the TV for the game.  This is the third Buckeye season without Jim Tressel and I find myself struggling to care whether the team wins or loses.  My whole life I have "bled scarlet and gray" as we say around here... but when they pressured Coach Tressel into resigning they really tarnished the OSU brand as far as I am concerned. 

Tressel's book is about leadership... something at which he excels.  I loved this book, and felt like I learned a great deal even though I have never played a down of football.  The life lessons Tressel extrapolates from the game are universal in their application. His ability to shape young men into champions and professionals is unmatched.  His coolness on the sidelines was a wonder to behold.  The clarity of his vision, strength of character, depth of commitment to those he led, and willingness to set a positive example all added immensely to Ohio State's stature as a world-class institution capable of attracting the best of the best.  Wouldn't it have been brilliant if instead of punishing Tressel for not being perfect, the university had highlighted his example of how a great leader handles himself following a mistake?  He acknowledges the wrong, apologizes for harm done, accepts responsibility for the consequences, and pledges to avoid that mistake going forward. What else can any of us ask of anyone? 

Jim Tressel is a winner... and his book is an excellent addition to any collection on leadership.  Thanks Coach!  No matter where you go in life... I will be rooting for you!

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Book Review: Leading with Heart

Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life by Mike Krzyzewski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a really good one from leader with world-class credentials.  Very few people can ever lay claim to being the best in the world at what they do, but Coach K can.  I found his book to be clear and instructive.  I especially love the way he weaves narrative with teaching.  Each chapter ends with "Coach K's tips" which distill the lessons from the chapter into a few golden nuggets.  Few leaders have ever articulated how they do what they do, decide what they decide.  We owe Coach K a debt of gratitude for taking the time to think it through and commit himself to paper.  Fantastic!

A two-page summary written by me can be downloaded here!


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