A Game Plan for Effective Leadership: Lessons from 10 Successful Coaches in Moving Theory to Practice

(Paperback)

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The conventional wisdom is that leaders are born, not made. Author Robert Palestini argues that his experience and scholarly research indicate that leadership skills can be learned. The first chapter of this book speaks to the so-called "science" of administration and leadership, while the second chapter deals with the "art" of leadership. One needs to learn how to lead with both mind (science) and heart (art) to be truly effective.

The effective building blocks of quality leadership are the skills of communication motivation, organizational development, management and creativity. Mastering the theory and practice in these areas of study will produce high quality leadership ability and, in turn, produce successful leaders.

This book uses the case study approach in order to facilitate placing theory into effective practice. Each chapter contains an extensive study on one of ten of the most successful basketball coaches of our times including, Phil Jackson, Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Riley, Pat Summitt, and Dean Smith. The book looks to see how these coaches were able to place leadership theory into effective practice. The lessons learned will prove invaluable to leaders and aspiring leaders, whether they be a parent, teacher, school principal, athletic director, coach or CEO.

Reviews

In this book, Dr. Palestini demonstrates how the use of situational leadership theory by ten successful basketball coaches has contributed to their effectiveness and how these same leadership principles can be appropriately applied to anyone's leadership behavior, whether the individual be a parent, a teacher, an administrator or a CEO. -- Phil Martelli, head basketball coach, St. Joseph's University, 2004 National Coach of the Year
Bob Palestini's practical approach to leadership, based on behavioral profiles of basketball coaches, provides valuable insights for leaders in all walks of life. -- H. Edward Hanway, President and CEO, CIGNA Corporation
The most interesting parts of the book were the examples about the coaches' implementation of situational leadership and the Heart Smart scoring sheet. * School Administrator *
Palestini puts the ball in your court with real life leadership principles that can be applied to coaching, parenting and all levels of executive management. -- Dr. Jack Ramsay, Basketball Hall of Famer, ESPN Analyst, and former NBA Coach

Author Bio

Robert Palestini is dean emeritus and professor of education at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.