Old Dog, New Tricks: The Power of Leading With Emotional Intelligence

by Barry Davis

Darren Blood is an embarrassment to the coaching profession: unrelenting, authoritative, and devoid of people skills. Twice fired and still shaking off a scandal, Blood's career seems over -until his friend, university president and emotional intelligence expert Dr. James Harding, hires him to coach a struggling women's basketball program at Virginia Central State University. Faced with a legacy of defeat, Blood must confront his flaws and embrace EQ strategies to turn around the Lady Foxhounds.

Old Dog, New Tricks is a fictional depiction of a brash coach transforming an underachieving program. By using emotional strategies that drive collaboration, build trust, and encourage resilience, Coach Barry Davis, PhD, demonstrates how coaches can win and create an enduring program using emotional intelligence.

244 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2025

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling is used by Dr. Barry Davis to teach immediately applicable strategies for running a team. I plan on implementing W-B-H meetings, Stop-Start-Continue discussions, and journaling to our team starting this fall.

Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quick read. The author is able to combine a sports story with a story about becoming a leader. Really enjoyed it.

[Annette Scharite · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent page turner. Full of creative ideas about emotional intelligence. Loved the story!