Wouldn't it be awesome if you could sit down with some of the greatest coaches in all of sport and find out their
 secrets of success?  Imagine hearing Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Summitt, Tommy Lasorda, Bill Walsh, John Wooden, Dean Smith, Sparky Anderson, Anson Dorrance, Joe Paterno, Red Auerbach, and other legends talk about what it takes to make it to the top.

Veteran CBS sportscaster Billy Packer gives you access into the insights of the gurus of the coaching profession in his new book "Why We Win: Great American Coaches Offer Their Strategies for Success in Sports and Life."
Packer interviewed the coaches on a variety of topics including motivation, mental toughness, goal setting, quality practices, developing competitors, leadership, and championship team building. Overall, the book is great for both coaches and athletes because you get proven insights on what it takes to be successful.  Some of the overall themes in the book include:

ï There are no shortcuts to success.  Winning takes a great deal of commitment and a lot of hard work. "Those   who keep busy trying to learn the tricks of the trade never learn the trade itself."  John Wooden

ï The coaches almost unanimously would select a mentally tough player with average talent over a talented   player with poor mental skills. "It's not always how strong you are.  The guy who has mental superiority will find a way."    Lenny Wilkens "I'd rather have a slow person in the right spot than a quick person in the wrong spot."  Pat Summitt    quoting Lou Holtz

ï Great team chemistry was the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. "I think a very   underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry." Dean Smith  "Team chemistry is the most critical   element in a championship season." Anson Dorrance

ï Preparation and quality practices were the areas deemed most important in building winners - more so than in   game adjustments. "Most everybody plays to win, but it's preparing to win that I think is the most important   thing in successful play."  Bobby Knight

ï Successful coaches develop effective relationships with their athletes. "For me it is absolutely necessary to have a   personal relationship with the players while they are playing.    I think if I don't have that, then I'm missing out   on maybe the best part of it."  Mike Krzyzewski

ï It is more important for coaches to be respected by their players than popular with them. "I think it is extremely   important to have the respect of the players." Dean Smith  "The best way to gain respect is to tell them the truth."    Mike Krzyzewski

 If you would like to read more, stop by my office (MK 109L) and check out this book or other books on The Mental Game and Championship Team Building.   Jeff Janssen