Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From "Patsies" to two-time Super Bowl champs; Vol. 1: Achievements, Personnel, Teamwork, Motivation, and Competition [Paperback]

James K Lavin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2005

The definitive account of the 2001-2004 New England Patriots. Analyzes the many "success factors" underlying the team's two Super Bowl victories in three seasons. Entertains with humorous, insightful quotations from players, coaches, executives, and owners while helping fans vicariously experience life as a New England Patriot. "Management Secrets" is essential reading for any serious fan of Bill Belichick's Patriots and anyone seeking to build a great organization. (Vol. 1 covers the team's achievements, personnel, teamwork, motivation, and competition. Vol. 2 to be published February 2005.) James Lavin earned his economics Ph.D. at Stanford, where he analyzed "high performance work organizations" (like the Patriots). He also holds degrees in: political science (Harvard, magna cum laude), economics (London School of Economics), and East Asian studies (Stanford). James grew up in Wayland, MA cheering for many lousy Patriots teams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An impressive look at what drives the team's success... It doesn't read like some wonkish, academic text." -- Boston Herald (Greg Gatlin, Feb. 6, 2005)

"Fascinating quotes, statistics, and revelations that keep the reader entranced... Lavin’s remarkable story provides the recipe for championship stew." -- Boston Phoenix (Christopher Young,

"Fascinating." -- Toronto Star (Dave Perkins, Feb. 5, 2005)

"Great book. Having read [many] football-as-a-metaphor-for-life books... I can say [this] is as comprehensive and well-written a book as [any]." -- Doug Farrar, Editor-in-Chief, Seahawks.net

"Lavin makes a strong... case that the Patriots 'are a better organization than they are a team.'" -- New York Times (Richard Sandomir,

"Required Reading... If... any other NFL organization would like to [catch] the Patriots, they should definitely pick up a copy." -- Dan Pires and Steve DeCosta, Standard-Times (New Bedford, MA), Feb. 5, 2005

"Timely, insightful book." -- Peter Finney, Times-Picayune (New Orleans), Jan. 28, 2005

"Whether you're a New England fan or not, you'll be fascinated by [this] intriguing new book." -- Houston Chronicle (John McClain, January 30, 2005)

From the Author

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Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Pointer Press (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976203952
• ISBN-13: 978-0976203957
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research ignites colorful prose, May 23, 2005

By 

H. Stephens "Movie Moguel II" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From "Patsies" to two-time Super Bowl champs; Vol. 1: Achievements, Personnel, Teamwork, Motivation, and Competition (Paperback)

I am an adjunct faculty member teaching MBA courses. I thought this book was not only well researched, but also provides the reader with insight on how to use examples from the Patriots organization and improve your own.

Mr. Lavin does not delve into "macho-jock" rhetoric; but instead, offers the reader with helpful quantitative and qualitative analysis on organizational behavior.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good stuff, December 28, 2005

By 

JYB "Threadkiller" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From "Patsies" to two-time Super Bowl champs; Vol. 1: Achievements, Personnel, Teamwork, Motivation, and Competition (Paperback)

I first heard about Mr. Lavin's book from a website full of die hard New England Patriots fans. What interested me was the idea that management techniques could be explained in terms that were both relevant to my experiences (as I am an avid football fan) and accessable. The second was most important because, while I have no business school/management training, I do run tens of millions of dollars worth of work for my company. Going into my latest project, I had been looking to refine my management of finances and personnel. Using this well researched book I was able to understand how a core group within an organization could produce at a sustained high level. Not only was this book a blast to read, but it has also had a profound effect on the way I do business.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chock full of info, December 16, 2005

By 

Euneeta Readit (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From "Patsies" to two-time Super Bowl champs; Vol. 1: Achievements, Personnel, Teamwork, Motivation, and Competition (Paperback)

When I launched into MANAGEMENT SECRETS OF THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS by James Lavin, I knew nothing of football. However, I did know that that the Patriots pulled off two miraculous upsets. I wanted to know exactly how they did that and took a peak at the table of contents. There I found topics such as; Focus on what you control, overcoming adversity, competing and disciplining, and I found out everything I ever wanted to know about Mr. Bill Belichick, the guy who led the team to victory.

I loved this book and although I read it for its information on all things managerial, (the author earned a PhD in economics at Stanford in performance work organization) I thoroughly enjoyed learning all about football. If one is interested in sports history and business sensibilities, this book is surely the best of both worlds! It is a great business gift.