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

Conventional wisdom is that leaders are born, not made. In A Game Plan for Effective Leadership, Robert Palestini argues that his experience and 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 building blocks of quality leadership are the skills of communication, motivation, organizational development, management, and creativity. Mastering theory and practice in these areas of study will produce high-quality leadership ability and, in turn, successful leaders. A Game Plan for Effective Leadership uses the case-study approach to facilitate moving theory into effective practice. Chapters contain extensive studies 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 examines how these coaches were able to place leadership theory into effective practice. The lessons are invaluable to leaders and aspiring leaders, including parents, teachers, school principals, athletic directors, coaches, and CEOs. Book jacket.