Customer Reviews

How Good Do You Want to Be?: A Champion's Tips on How to Lead and Succeed at Work and in Life

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was full of program building stuff for football teams and programs. Coach Saban puts a bunch of info in here about program philosophies etc. that, as a coach I found very useful. I practically have half the book highlighted. I highly recommend this book for any coaches who are looking for good program ideas. You may not use them all, but they will get you thinking.

Overall a good book. Saban and his co-author do a good job of connecting football experiences to life experiences and how to deal with him. Very positive in content and useful information whether you coach football or just want to be a better parent. Good reading

As a Patriots fan, I was depressed when Nick Saban became the Dolphins' new head coach because Saban is as similar a football coach to Bill Belichick as you will ever find until scientists perfect cloning. In his new book, Saban lays out his philosophy very clearly. His philosophy helps individuals take control of their lives, work well with others, etc. It also helps leaders build more team-oriented organizations. Everyone can benefit from this book, not just football fans:

"focus... on what it takes to get to [become a champion], and not on getting there," "[Players] encouraged one another and kept each other in line," "no selfishness," "we shared a purpose," "the opponent should never determine your level of competitive spirit," "anyone can be successful with the right attitude," "a road map... allows everyone... to know where you are headed," "what you need are players who have good ability, but who can reach their potential consistently... every time out," "be honest and candid and let the players know their prospects," "we have a vision for the organization and, more importantly, for the people," "create... a culture of expectations [so] everyone knows what to expect," etc. I could go on for many pages.

I know Saban's philosophy works because it helped Saban's LSU Tigers (consistent losers before Saban took over) win a share of the 2003 NCAA championship and also helped Belichick's Patriots win two of the past three Super Bowls. It's the same philosophy. I expected great similarities because Saban coordinated the defense of Belichick's Cleveland Browns in the early '90s when the two became closest of friends. But I was shocked reading Saban's book because almost every principle Saban advocates is presented in my book ("Management Secrets of the New England Patriots") as what I term a "success factor" underlying the success of Belichick's Patriots.

One of the few things in Saban's book that Belichick might disagree with is Saban's argument that "Not only should you not concern yourself with the score, you should also avoid setting the bar or establishing the benchmarks for success" (p. 58) because, he claims, it's more productive to "Stay focused on the next play to dominate [your opponent]" (p. 59). Belichick believes strongly in benchmarks: personal and team, short-term, medium-term, and long-term. And Belichick also wants his players to play to the score. If they have a lead late in the game, he wants them to stay in-bounds to run down the clock, for example. I'm not sure Belichick and Saban disagree as much on this as Saban's book suggests. One of Saban's running themes is the importance of focusing on the minute-by-minute process rather than the long-term goal (national championship, winning the game, etc.). Belichick certainly preaches this too.

The principles in this book are valuable and clearly explained. My only disappointment is that the book lacks drama. The opening chapter ("Part 1") is a tedious list of plays from LSU's championship season. I didn't know the players or care about them, so I nearly fell asleep. This material could have been fun had it been integrated into the rest of the book to illustrate particular principles.

Aside from Saban's stellar ideas, the book's highlights are occasional colorful examples, many involving his dad. To illustrate "Disappointment is a part of life," he cites his dad saying, "Be like the grass--the more manure they throw on you, the stronger you get." My favorite part is actually his father's story (36-39). Like Belichick, Saban received a brilliant education from his father, in both football and life: "Invest your time, don't spend it." "It's not just about the results. It's about perfect execution." "You reap what you sow." Someone could write a great book about the fathers of great football coaches.

Three stars for writing. Seven stars for content. Averages to 5 stars!

Nick Saban's method for success is broken down into three main points in his book, How Good Do You Want to Be?; these are the development of the product, having the competitive spirit, and the importance of leadership. This guide to success was published by Random House, Inc. in New York in 2005.
In Saban's first point he emphasizes the development of the "product." In most cases the product is the person who wants to be successful, but it also includes sports teams, companies, or projects. To develop the product, a "road map" is needed. A road map is a guide to life. It should define one's goals and guidelines. This is to make sure that one knows his values. The five key values are discipline, commitment, toughness, effort, and pride. The map should also take into account the "three C's." These will foster one's success. The "three C's" are commitment, conviction, and character. Commitment is defined as unwavering loyalty and dedication. If one is dedicated enough, then he will eventually succeed. Conviction is when one really believes in what he is doing. Conviction is the reason for being committed. The third "C," character, is "that crucial blend of personality and values" (Saban 35). Character is who a person really is. A positive attitude is crucial to how one responds to challenges, success, and failure. To be successful, one has to really "develop the product."
Saban's second point is the necessity of the competitive spirit. Saban states the importance of not thinking about the score, saying, "looking at the score and results can only take away from your competitive spirit" (Saban 58). A person only needs to be concerned with what he or she can control. He also highlights the significance of focus. He knows that everyone needs to "separate the important stuff, to minimize the distractions to maximize focus" (Saban 61). To be good, one must focus on the goal and ignore everything else. Saban stresses how bad complacency is, stating, "successes will continue only as long as the commitment to the process of being successful remains in place" (Saban 72). In other words, never accept the current position no matter how good it is. Saban also knows that everyone has self-imposed limitations, but he knows that "we cannot become victims of ourselves" (Saban 73). One cannot let insecurity hold him back. The competitive spirit is necessary for success.
Saban's third point is the importance of leadership. To be a good leader, one must do several things daily. One must stand up to adversity. He must lead, but not force, pick his battles, and accept responsibility when something goes wrong. Most importantly a good leader must always insist on excellence. This goes back to complacency. One must never settle on the current condition. Saban also knows that "great leaders don't have all the answers, but they find them" (Saban 142). Saban recognizes the magnitude of leadership and defines what being a good leader means.
In How Good Do You Want to Be? Saban completely achieves his original goal of motivating success and providing a path for it. Saban's book is like a bridge over the troubled waters that are today's problems. It provides a way to success. How Good Do You Want to Be? is the best guide to success I have ever read. This book is really changing the way I am living.
In How Good Do You Want to Be? Nick Saban outlines his system for success. He breaks down his method with the three points of developing the product, competitiveness, and leadership. This book is extremely motivational and everyone who wants to be good should read it.

This is a good read for students of leadership, with plenty of good ideas that readers can adopt. While most of the components of his philosophy are fundamental (hard work, integrity, communication skills, balance, etc.), there are actually some original ideas that run counter to those pitched in typical success/leadership books. This is where I believe the value lies. Examples include focusing on the process - not the goals, setting a start time but not an end time, and playing to dominate (no matter what the score).

Like him or not, Saban has a unique system that works (assuming he stays around long enough to implement it). This book is worth a read...

Amazing that Nick Saban is such a great leader and will improve Alabama's misfortune. Nick will make Alabama the best again!

I bought and read this book before Nick Saban left LSU. Regardless of what you think of Nick's subsequent career moves, the lessons presented in the book are solid, relevant and a good read for anyone middle school and upwards.

Since the jacket cover has been changed to reflect Nick's new team, I just wonder if the paperback edition has all references to LSU edited out???

This is in my top five best books on leadership, including how to best inspire others. The principles Saban discusses apply not only to coaching, but to life. I recommend reading this book. He continually teaches "Get out of yourself and into the team."
The only down side is it's not updated with him coaching at Alabama; but I suspect that will change one day soon.

Post below typical miami dolphin fans upset about losing your coach to a better coaching job.

Don't miss this book, great read for those wanting to better themselves in this world.