have thought a book by a college basketball coach would contain

nuggets

of management wisdom applicable far from the court? For starters,

anyone who follows Duke basketball, because to do that is also to

be aware of Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s philosophy. Not only does he

preach

it — he practices it, too.

With eight "Final Four" appearances, including back-to-back

national championships in 1991 and ’92, Krzyzewski inspires great

play from his team and, typically, player-reverence long after the

season. This happens for a reason. He knows how to make his players

feel special while still part of a team. His graduates thank him for

that.

Krzyzewski’s new book, "Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s

Successful

Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life," chronicles his

background in a Polish neighborhood of Chicago, where he was guided

by parents who demanded honesty and integrity. The coach reveals his

personal principles for leadership, from dealing with adversity in

life or on the basketball court, to learning how to trust your

heartfelt

instincts. It deals too with descriptions of how to build an

"emotional

bond of trust" that gives his players the confidence and freedom

to succeed "both on and off the court." The result is a book

that shows how you can be successful in any leadership situation.

Each chapter concludes with tips that would apply in the board room,

as well as the locker room. A "top 11" of these nuggets follow.

Reflecting classic management theory, they are bound to score with

management students and practitioners alike.

team and are coachable. Always try to get the best people possible,

but be sure they will fit in with the rest of your team and are

willing

to grow.

tremendously

as the level of trust rises. Mutual respect and trusting

relationships

are the cornerstones for success on any team.

detailed,

painstaking planning sets up the process that allows you to win.

Without

this preparation, winning is accidental.

excitement. Live it right. In all we do, the process is the key to

obtaining a good product.

skills.

Most people are unsuccessful on a team or on the job because they

can’t get along with others, not because they lack the skills to do

the work.

basketball

and life, success is usually a group effort; it seldom comes from

one person’s actions alone.

about.

Once all the facts are gathered, be brave, believe in yourself,

and make a decision. You’ll probably make the right move.

be ready to adjust. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of

little minds," wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. Always be ready to

change

as situations change.

screen out all contrary opinions, you’ll probably miss the very point

that separates success from failure.

competition

is to disrespect yourself. Keep focused, don’t let up, play the full

40 minutes — or 40 hours — all out, always.

from the very good teams. There is always a way to win, and you must

find it.

of the year, making him the first college coach ever to win that

honor.

The magazine said, "On the court and off, Krzyzewski is a family

man first, a teacher second, a basketball coach third, and a winner

at all three. He is what’s right about sports."

— Joe Summers

Corrections or additions?

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