The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently Review

Football season officially begins tomorrow. What better way to kick it off than by taking a look at a book written by one of the NFL's most successful coaches. Tony Dungy spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before taking a position as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. In his seven seasons with the Colts, he led them to a total of 85 regular season wins and one Super Bowl Championship. But beyond that, Coach Dungy created in Indiana a legacy of excellence, integrity, and character that has come to define the Colts organization. Three of his former assistants have gone on to establish their own successful head coaching positions, namely Lovie Smith of the Bear, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers, and Jim Caldwell of the Colts. Now why is all this important? Because Coach Dungy has established himself as the very definition of leader, so when he pens a book on becoming The Mentor Leader, you know what he has to say will work.

The Mentor Leader is subtitled "Secrets to Building People and Teams that Win Consistently." It would almost sound too good to be true if Coach Dungy had he not already paved the way by practicing what he now preaches. He develops his entire leadership concept around the idea of being a mentor. At its very essence, Dungy is practically applying the principles of servant leadership taught and lived out by Jesus Christ.

Coach Dungy begins by giving the mandate of a mentor leader. Focus on significance. He urges us to value those we lead and keep an eternal perspective in mind. He continues with the mentor's mindset, which is that the mentor is there to serve and not be served. A chapter on the maturity of the mentor leader discusses dealing with the past and forgiveness. After this Coach Dungy urges us to find the characteristics that matter - character, competence, integrity, self-assured, authenticity.

The second half of the book turns to more practical aspects such as living the message of a mentor leader, using every opportunity to serve as a role model He teaches the reader how to cultivate a team culture in which individuals are made stronger by being a part of the team. He closes out with how to enhance the potential of those you lead - Engage, Educate, Equip, Equip, Encourage, Empower, Energize, and Elevate - and calling us all to look beyond the present win/loss column and into the standings that hold eternal significance.

As a coach myself, I learned a lot from this book. While already engaged in a form of mentor leadership in my own capacity, The Mentor Leader has helped me to correct my shortcomings, give confidence in my strengths, and gave a vision that what I do is more important than the now. I could literally discuss concepts this book covered and how I have applied or plan on applying them for hours. Probably the greatest thing that stands out to me was Tony's concept of building into the lives of those you lead. See yourself as the servant of all rather than the leader of all.

The Mentor Leader combines practical teaching with Tony's autobiographical anecdotes. The result is that football fans not only get a good idea of how to be leader, but also an intriguing look into the business of coaching football. Coach Dungy's memoirs, Quiet Strength, is what landed him a #1 NYT Bestseller's spot. The Mentor Leader builds on that, engaging the principles that made Dungy the coach and leader he is today. By continuing to live out these principles beyond the coaching arena, Dungy is transcending the sport of football and building into the lives of many.

The Mentor Leader is going on a special place on my bookshelf as soon as I finish working my way through it a second time. For anyone who holds any sort of leadership position, this book is an indispensable resource. For coaches of any kind - especially of children - this book should define how you coach.

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently Overview

“Your only job is to help your players be better.” That single idea had a huge impact on Tony Dungy when he heard it from one of his earliest mentors, and it led him to develop the successful leadership style so admired by players and coaches throughout the NFL. Now, a storied career and a Super Bowl victory later, Tony Dungy is sharing his unique leadership philosophy with you. In The Mentor Leader, Tony reveals what propelled him to the top of his profession and shows how you can apply the same approach to virtually any area of your life. In the process, you’ll learn the seven keys of mentoring leadership—and why they’re so effective; why mentor leadership brings out the best in people; how a mentor leader recovers from mistakes and handles team discipline; and the secret to getting people to follow you and do their best for you without intimidation tactics. As a son, a football player, and a winning coach, Tony has always learned from others on his path to success. Now you can learn to succeed for your team, family, or organization while living out your values—by becoming a mentor leader.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 02, 2010 15:05:04