This book uses the case study approach in order to facilitate placing theory into effective practice. Each chapter contains an extensive study on one of ten of the most successful basketball coaches of our times including, Phil Jackson, Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Riley, Pat Summitt, and Dean Smith. The book looks to see how these coaches were able to place leadership theory into effective practice.

The conventional wisdom is that leaders are born, not made. Author Robert Palestini argues that his experience and scholarly research indicate that leadership skills can be learned. The first chapter of this book speaks to the so-called 'science' of administration and leadership, while the second chapter deals with the 'art' of leadership. One needs to learn how to lead with both mind (science) and heart (art) to be truly effective. The effective building blocks of quality leadership are the skills of communication motivation, organizational development, management and creativity. Mastering the theory and practice in these areas of study will produce high quality leadership ability and, in turn, produce successful leaders. This book uses the case study approach in order to facilitate placing theory into effective practice. Each chapter contains an extensive study on one of ten of the most successful basketball coaches of our times including, Phil Jackson, Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Riley, Pat Summitt, and Dean Smith. The book looks to see how these coaches were able to place leadership theory into effective practice. The lessons learned will prove invaluable to leaders and aspiring leaders, whether they be a parent, teacher, school principal, athletic director, coach or CEO.

Chapter 1 Contemporary Leadership Theory
Chapter 2 Leading with Heart
Chapter 3 Phil Jackson
Chapter 4 Dr. Jack Ramsay
Chapter 5 Pat Riley
Chapter 6 Bobby Knight
Chapter 7 Mike Krzyzewski
Chapter 8 Dean Smith
Chapter 9 Pat Summitt
Chapter 10 John Thompson
Chapter 11 John Wooden
Chapter 12 Bob Hurley
Chapter 13 Leadership Lessons Learned