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By Larry Wilson - Play to Win! Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and Life: 1st (first) Edition

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Packed with time-tested techniques and real-life case studies, this work and life field guide is based on the famous training program of the same name that has helped 250,000 participants in hundreds of major corporations learn how to succeed in today's tough business environment.

247 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

47 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

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Larry Wilson

321 books5 followers

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5 stars
71 (37%)
4 stars
66 (35%)
3 stars
38 (20%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Steve Rangoussis.
Author 1 book2 followers
May 22, 2010
This book is all about focusing on fulfillment in life. If the goal of a Captain is to keep his ship safe, he would never leave port. Wilson encourages life to be an adventure.
Profile Image for Olivia Rawlings.
25 reviews
August 2, 2025
My mentor gave me this book back in 2023 when I was experiencing a “career crisis” of sorts. I felt lost and without direction, and somehow this book met me exactly where I was, when I needed it most. I recently reread this book, and here are some notes on why I love it so much.

Play To Win is about the game of life — and we have the choice of taking two different paths, ultimately determining how our future will play out.

Playing to win is about taking risks, overcoming fear, and finding purpose in life. There’s no such thing as failure, only growth.

When we use our talents, and in doing so serve others, we will find success and fulfillment in life.

I love how the book touches on everything from real-world business examples, to discussing the spiritual (for me, religious) component to finding my true self.

Taking the road less traveled was the best decision I ever made.
Profile Image for Kate.
7 reviews
May 2, 2023
Great perspective on life and work. The play to win philosophy encourages going as far as you can with all that you have. The main message is that you cannot fail but only learn and grow.
Profile Image for John.
1,176 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2017
Something about Pecos River...or whatever...I just thought it was right up or down my alley (one of those)
: ]
1 review1 follower
June 26, 2017
Thoughtful and thought-provoking

If you're reevaluating an aspect of your current situation, the models presented within will at least help you consider deeply your next move.
13 reviews
June 12, 2020
Great book, great ideas how to face life and give you a good tips how.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
141 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
Perfect book to start off the new year. Lots of great advice to implement in both business and personal lives. Read this for a leadership course and I’d 10/10 recommend especially parts I-IV.
Profile Image for Lorena.
439 reviews13 followers
September 8, 2009
Self Help is not my cup of tea, however this was given to our department from Manager who wants us to work successfully -we are a brand new department at a seasoned Hospital System.

The book was an easy and quick read and I actually enjoyed several of the chapters, the authors are lighthearted, funny and not self-righteous, as it often is the case with the genre. I went along making the lists recommended in the last chapter and was glad to get much needed insight on how to map out your goals and possibly gain new meaning to your profession.
Profile Image for Doug.
35 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2009
An easy to read and impactful book, Wilson is a good teacher with a refined and straightforward message. There are many memorable and applicable lessons in this book. I found myself being challenged to do better in every chapter.
76 reviews
August 14, 2011
I was asked to read the book for work. It dovetailed with training we were receiving which is supposed to help our organization work more interdependently. The recommendations are great as long as the team members you are working with are all trying to follow the recommendations.
Profile Image for Roman Bly.
32 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2015
Started very interesting, but then got a bit repetitive. The book has some great ideas, which made me rethink some of mine and changed me in a way. I'd love to rate this book higher, but I just didn't click with author's writing style.
44 reviews
Want to read
June 7, 2011
I'm supposed to read this for work. Let's see if I ever get around to it...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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