The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith

by David Chadwick

Drawing on his coach's winning program on the court, Tar Heels forward David Chadwick recalls the secret of Dean Smith's success in basketball, transforming his philosophy into a "people-first" formula for winning in life as well. 30,000 first printing.

Genres: Leadership, Sports

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David Chadwick has been the pastor of Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1980. He played basketball at and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, then joined a professional basketball league for three years in Europe. He has MDiv and DMin degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Corey Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for a course on leadership. It’s an easy read, although clumsily written. It’s not exactly a description of 12 leadership principles that Dean Smith layer out, but the author’s interpretation of principles that he thinks define Smith’s leadership style. The result of this was a mixed bag for me; while reflecting on my own life, I did identity several admirable qualities in Dean Smith that I want to apply in my own leadership experiences. However, there were also several points that the author tried to make about the effects of Smith’s leadership that felt unearned or contradictory, while other points were belabored by seemingly endless and redundant examples.

The book often feels more like praise for a man than an analysis of his leadership style. Consequently, should be read to get a better understanding of how Dean Smith was perceived as a leader, not as an objective analysis of his leadership itself. Since I am interested in sports and am from North Carolina, I did enjoy reading some of the stories and players’ accounts, and I imagine that people who were fans of Dean Smith would get something out of it as well.

[Mary-ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mixed this book up with another book, and while it was a quick read, it was not my style of reading. The author kept referring to Coach Dean Smith, but came back to toot his own horn and talk about his leadership in his church. I was expecting to read more about Dean Smith, not a reflection or self-glorification through Dean Smith's reputation and the name dropping of more famous players. It really deluded the concepts and ideas I was looking for. The book should have been called "My Interpretation of Dean Smith's Leadership style and how I use it at my church, by the way, I met Michael Jordan."

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple read, but still valuable none the less. The author, Mr. Chadwick, outlines the principles in which Dean Smith coached by and he pulls out the 12 that he considers most valuable. These principles weren't anything new or Earth shattering, but they were good reminders for those of us who find ourselves in leadership positions. I actually enjoyed the book more from the perspective of a basketball fan than I did as a leader looking for assistance. I will agree with the author when I say that Dean Smith is a remarkable man first and a good coach second.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in Illinois I really didn't know or hear much about Dean Smith but I sure knew about Michael Jordan. I learned how much the Coach ment to a lot of people and how his leadership influences many. I had the opportunity to hear the author speak. He is a good speaker and leader.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and practical application of lessons learned from a great leader.