Greatness: The 16 Characteristics of True Champions

by Don Yaeger

Greatness is a motivational book whose target audience is found in business and self-help. It is a life book, aimed at inspiring others to achieve their personal and professional best. Opening with an in-depth discussion of the nature of Greatness-what it is, what it is not, and why it is worth pursing-each subsequent chapter of the book consists of a detailed story illustrating one aspect of Greatness with examples from the sports greats that Don has interviewed over the years. This will be followed by a discussion and other related examples. There are also practical tips and plans for assisting the reader in implementing new habits, routines, practices, and philosophies of Greatness into his or her daily life. As each characteristic is outlined, the reader is challenged to look for areas in his or her professional and personal lives that can be improved by embracing these lessons.

As Don often says during his speeches, "Though these characteristics are culled from some of the greatest winners in sports, not a single one requires you to be able to touch your toes! These iconic figures in sports have provided a classroom for us to learn about their pursuit of Greatness. You don't have to be good at sports - heck, you don't even have to like sports - to benefit from their lessons."

It is the strong belief of those who Don has talked to over the years that greatness is available to all of us. Not in the same way or on the same field, mind you. But we all have the capacity to achieve greatness if we'll give the same dedication to these characteristics as do the winners presented and interviewed in Greatness .

Genres: Leadership

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Don Yaeger is an acclaimed American author, journalist, and keynote speaker based in Tallahassee, Florida. A graduate of Ball State University, he began his journalism career at The San Antonio Light and The Dallas Morning News before joining Sports Illustrated as Associate Editor. He has authored or co-authored 30 books, including 12 New York Times best-sellers. Yaeger collaborated with sports legends such as Walter Payton, John Wooden, Michael Oher, and Bubba Watson, as well as political figures like Brian Kilmeade on historical bestsellers. He hosts the Corporate Competitor Podcast.

Reviews

[Cj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pulled this off the new book shelf at the public library. I was looking for inspiring stories, and I was not disappointed. I wish the title wasn't quite so silly-- sixteen chapters, conveniently sixteen characteristics. Some of the chapters/characteristics seem a bit skimpy on merit or examples, and one or two seem like they are really reaching. But there are some great stories. The first sentence states that the book is "the culmination of nearly twenty-five years of interviews" during his career as a journalist. Did the publisher think it would be more competitive with the seven habits of highly successful people, or any number of other titles that seem to think there is some sort of magic number of attributes that will convince someone to buy a book? Hey! Sixteen is much higher than seven! This book must be better!

It also seems that greatness is much easier for sport figures to achieve than just about anyone else. "Characteristics of True Champions" seem dominated by male athletes. There are a few stories about other people, but, again, some of the examples seem to really be reaching. The title is a bit misleading. The stories are interesting, inspiring, and even examples of greatness, but don't expect to find any examples of artists or musicians.

[Daniel Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes hand in hand with many self help books, but each chapter is design in a way to isolate each tidbit of what makes the great truly great, from people you’ve heard before like Michael Jordan to babe Ruth.

What makes us great is not just one thing, it is a slew of characteristics that combine makes us have a rich life.

Each chapter you learn something new, and it’s your choice to follow the beaten path of mediocrity or to ‘step up your game’ like many of these famous greats did.

The author actually interviewed many of the people he writes about and gets in-depth analysis answers, but is careful to make sure he doesn’t add a lot of fluff but important key points.

Great reading, you can read a chapter a day and be done within 16 days!

[Jason Hollen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any sports junkie who is in the business world.

[Gabe Botero · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amalgamation of every uplifting sports story with hopes to distract you from the fact that this book has been written many different times by many different authors.