Extreme Dreams Depend on Teams

by Pat Williams

Book Overview

Pat Williams shows how the greatest world-changing events came to be as the result of the passion of one person. In each case a team was assembled with people equipped in the areas needed to bring the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446407194
• ISBN13: 9780446407199
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Center Street
• Length: 315 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great Motivation!

This book was at the same time inspirational, motivational and just plain fun to read. As an NBA fan I loved reading all Mr. Williams stories about basketball as they fit into his theme of team building - there isn't a sports fan around who wouldn't love this book simply from that aspect. But I also loved reading this book because it's inspirational. It can be applied to everyday life. Mr. Williams message of dreaming extreme and then putting together the team to do that can be used in almost any situation. Whether it's starting a new business, developing a winning sports team, or building a beatiful house, Mr. Williams advice carries through. Dream big and then lay the groundwork and gather the people around you to make that dream come true. Personally, I'm at a point in my life where I'm making some big decisions, and I've started applying some of the ideas from Extreme Dreams Depend on Teams. I'm starting by gathering the people who I need to help me achieve that goal. I'm taking the time and doing the planning and then it will happen. I'd recommend this book to everyone even if just for the sports stories, because I can almost guarantee that anyone who reads this will walk away a bit more inspired and motivated.

A Must Read for Anyone Leading or on a Team.

Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine Chapel! Not alone anyway. When he was commissioned by Pope Julius II to execute an Extreme Dream -- painting the Sistine Chapel - he became a master delegator. And so goes one of the many illustrative anecdotes in Extreme Dreams Depends on Teams by Pat Williams. To accomplish the mission Michelangelo led a team of thirteen artists and two hundred crewmen! According to Williams, "Michelangelo sought out the best artists and craftsmen . . . paid them well . . . praised excellent work . . . demanded that everything be done his way - yet encouraged his assistants to add their own artistic flourishes to his creation. Some sections are clearly the work of Michelangelo's hand. Others . . . are believed to be almost entirely the work of assistants . . . ." In short, what Michelangelo possessed, in addition to artistic genius, were excellent leadership skills and a dream team. Like the former coach that he is, Williams coaches us (the readers) on the key to achieving big dreams: skillful leadership of a synergistic team. After years of study, Williams has determined the "seven sides of leadership:" Vision; Communication Skills; People Skills; Character; Competence; Boldness; and Servanthood. A great leader, however, is only as good as the team he leads. And what makes a great team? According to Williams a great team is a committed team: to each other and to a singular goal. A committed team respects and trusts each other and works together to lift up individual members so that collectively they achieve what no one individual can. How does one acquire this dream team? By recruiting talented people and empowering them (to succeed and to make mistakes!). Empowerment, Williams explains, is achieved by: 1) expressing belief in people; 2) listening to them; 3) building others up; 4) not demeaning them; 5) being truthful; 6) saying thank you; 7) giving meaningful praise; and 8) providing occasional encouragement. Extreme Dreams is an entertaining and enlightening book for both leaders and their teams!

Great for Sport Lovers

This is a great book on the importance of developing an excellent team in order to achieve success in all areas of life. There are plenty of examples and advice on team buiding here to give the reader many ideas. I especially liked the use of the African concept of ubuntu - "I am because we are". I'd never heard of that before. There are many examples in this book from professional sports, so I feel that it will have the most impact on sports lovers, but I enjoyed it all the same.