Average Rating: 
Rating:  - The old Chicken or the Egg controversy, again!
I've listend to Pat Riley speak on Charlie Rose's show on PBS and have been impressed with his ability to discuss the concepts of teamwork and leadership and obviously his winning record with different teams speaks for itself but somehow this book was unsatisfying. Oh, I think he has identified a number of significant areas in regard to team play like the "Disease of Me" (selfishness that ruins team play), the team's Core Covenant (which can be both good and bad -- how many of us work in environments whose only core covenant is "cover your a#$"), and complacency (when teams begin to taste success) but what got me was his use of the Lakers of the 80s to illustrate his points. What I couldn't help thinking was that Riley wasn't using his theories (The Egg) to shape his leadership of the Lakers but rather he used his experience with the Lakers (The Chicken) to create his theories. So which came first? Everything he outlines in his theory is matched by an experience he has had with his team. Doesn't this sound a bit too much like revisionist history? I particularly found it hard to swallow when he rationalized his leaving of the Lakers as a moment when a "team player" must go solo (Moving On). I had the sense that had he stayed with the Lakers his book would have added another chapter on perservering rather than leaving. A good theory informs and influences our practices. I think Mr. Riley has gone in the opposite direction and used a good practice (experience) to inform his theory. Unfortunately, I think this makes his book MUCH LESS APPLICABLE to all of us who want to learn how to lead teams and become winners. Just maybe, Pat, you won because of guys named Magic, Jabbar and Worhy rather than any theories about winning . . . What do you think?
Maybe if I am going to coach the Lakers, I'll pick this book up again. Then again maybe not. I don't even like the Lakers and Magic isn't coming back again. Or is he?. You know, I have Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops book on my shelf and I am afraid to begin it because it might be just like this one.
Rating:  - Well Written
A very good book with good ideas that can be used in the business world as well as with accomplishing personal issues. Pat's examples have been an inspiration to many others. It seems to me that Pat Riley has the vision and the plan to be successful in almost any line of business he chooses in spite of some criticism from the way he handled leaving the New York Knicks.
Rating: - An MBA For The Rest Of Us :-)
When you see Coach Riley on the sidelines, the perception is one of a model straight from the pages of GQ. His suits are always custom-tailored, and his hair is slicked back. But when you read his words, you will discover another dimension that perhaps is not congruent with his tough-guy media image.Mr. Riley demonstrates a high degree of common sense both on and off the basketball court. You will feel the toughness of his spirit, but also the kindness in his approach. This book is a great resource, since it demonstrates how to lead and how to follow to ensure maximum success. His lessons from the hardwoods can be applied to any business or team-oriented situation. He describes in great detail his approaches with both the Lakers and NY Knicks. He discusses in very frank terms his own failures as a coach, but more importantly, presents the reader with examples how to reach our own peak performance levels. His motivational techniques were very informative. He takes us inside of intimate situations that forged his winning ways. From tense playoff day game meetings, to providing custom towels for his players, Coach Riley spares no detail to win. The reader will realize that Mr. Riley learned from the best, and was able to succeed at the highest levels of his sport. He shows us that being a team player starts at the top, and that leaders need to set the proper example. He also includes several non-basketball related events that provide added motivational value. The story about Jan Scruggs, the force behind the Viet Nam War Memorial, is compelling. This book is not about basketball; it is about finding the winner within each of us as we navigate challenging life events. Out of his many enlightening quotes, two stand out: "You can respect your opponent too much." "Don't compare your performance versus other teammates; compare it against others in similar roles on other teams." Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
|
