Stick Together: A Simple Lesson to Build a Stronger Team

by Jon Gordon, Kate Leavell

Build a stronger team with this illustrated fable From bestselling author Jon Gordon and coauthor Kate Leavell, Stick Together delivers a crucial message about the power of belief, ownership, connection, love, inclusion, consistency, and hope. The authors guide individuals and teams on an inspiring journey to show them how to persevere through challenges, overcome obstacles, and create success together. Stick Together follows Coach David, a high school basketball coach looking to motivate his team for the new season. The team members are given sticks with words written on them and tasked with a number of

To find another player with the same word written on their stick To explain why that word is important for a team to be their best To render their sticks unbreakable As the players work together to complete their tasks, they discover how to make their team stronger and create an unbreakable bond. Perfect for student athletes and teams in all industries including business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit, and for readers of all ages, Stick Together will resonate with anyone looking to improve their team performance and excel in a group environment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Development, Leadership, Business

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2021

About the author

Jon Gordon is an American business consultant and author on the topics of leadership, culture, sales, and teamwork.

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and The Goldfish, Soup, The Seed and his latest The Positive Dog. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, Bayer and more.

Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.

When he's not running through airports or speaking, you can find him playing tennis or lacrosse with his wife and two "high energy" children.

You can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jongordonpage

Reviews

[Amanda NEVER MANDY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but stories about sticks will never motivate me.

A quick read that would be beneficial to team leaders looking for ideas to strengthen their team. If presented as is, it should only be done with a younger audience. An older audience (me) would compare it to a time-wasting ice breaker activity and instantly be turned off.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jon Gordon isn’t even trying anymore. He probably pooped out this story in an afternoon and then published it because he could.

Please, don’t buy this book! Go to a bookstore or library and look through it. You can read it in less than an hour. Don’t spend money on this simple story.

[Brooke Hoag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book my coach gave me to read. Some will say it’s predictable or a bad read. It took me maybe 30 minutes or less to read; however, as an athlete this book stood out to me. It’s about what traits work to make a team and how teams work together and need to work together. An easy yet highly recommended read!

[Alyssa Keptner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book with a really great message about being stronger together and it was a nice quick read. At the same time I wish it went into a little more detail on things you could do in the locker room to be a stronger team. I did like the discussion of traits that are important to have though.

[Henry LD]

Super short read that was assigned in my job’s book club. Emphasis on the “fable” and “simple lesson.” The message wasn’t valueless and it’s a nice collection of things to keep in mind when creating team culture, but the book as a whole is definitely pretty uncomplicated. The illustrations didn’t add a whole lot for me except make it feel like I was reading a grade school book. Also because I knew how the central “fable” with the sticks would end up, I felt like I was kinda just rushing through to get to that (underwhelming) payoff.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with great reminders of some of the key components to bring a team together. Consistency is a vital characteristic of the leader, a team, and individuals. Thank you Jon for another great read and reference for the library.

[Amy Endler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predictable yet likable story about the importance of teamwork. A quick and good read for anyone who is part of a team.

[Kari Potter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only takes about 20 minutes to read. Good message but the writing style was very elementary. This would be great for a little league team!

[EricaLenise · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need our team to stick together to win

[Sierra Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

May seem cliche or cheesy, but truly an amazing book for anyone that is a part of team, from sports, to your current job or even a family unit.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Team Building Initiative

[Kingtchalla83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve worked with high school students and I don’t think this book is a realistic portrayal. That said, the book has some good ideas about teamwork but they are so basic I was thinking “well, YEAH!” The entire time. It’s a quick read and decent illustrations, but the story line is too cutesy, unrealistic and not relatable unless you’re living in a utopian world. The message about teamwork is too obvious and cliched and anyone could guess where this is going. It reads like a parent talking down to you in some places. I’m giving it two stars rather than one because I liked the illustrations and it was over quickly. I also liked the underlying message about embracing differences in people, and I think it might have been better if the author focused more on that.

[Lisa Klenke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read by a great motivational author, Jon Gordon. The book is a wonderful reminder of what being part of a team really means. This is a retold version of one of Aesop's fables and and the visual of "Sticking Together" is memorable. I wouldn't say this was one of Gordon's best books, but it is a great moral lesson, particular for students.

[David Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's message will stick with you...

This book is a quick read and full of impact. Because it is short and to the point, you can easily remember the message and share it with your co-workers. You will learn 7 characteristics of a good team and how to get your members to stick together on a path towards a common goal. If you work with people, this book will help you develop strength within your ranks. I read all of Jon Gordon's books and he never disappoints. This colaboration with Kate Leavell is no exception. Thanks Jon & Kate!

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will literally take you 30 minutes to read. If that. I had my work team read this book as a "bookclub" book to help us think about teamwork. My takeaways:

⭐️Believe
Believe in each other
"A team's collective belief must be greater than all the adversity and negativity they face. It only takes one person who doesn't believe to hurt a team."
"Our challenges are opportunities to help us learn and grow and make us stronger and better"

⭐️Ownership
Take responsibility for your choices
"When we own up to something, it's easier to let it go, because now we can fit is and make a new choice"
"Failure refines instead of defines"

⭐️Connection
Listen to make connections
"When a team is connected, they feel more committed to each other. It's a team's connection that leads to commitment."
Get to know each other, be honest and build more trust

⭐️Love
Love makes your team stronger
"A team that loves each other is able to challenge each other to work harder and sacrifice more"
"Love makes people more accountable"
"Love also helps with having more patience, understanding, and a desire to succeed together"

⭐️Inclusion
Value everyone's contribution
"Show up and contribute something of value to the team no matter how we're feeling that day"
"Make sure our teammates feel that their contributions are valued by demonstrating appreciation and gratitude"

⭐️Consistency
Consistent effort every day
"We are what we repeatedly do"
"Be consistent with our attitude, effort, leadership, teamwork, habits and our pursuit of greatness"

⭐️Hope
Always remain hopeful
"Maintain hope that our love, beliefs, connections, inclusiveness, contributions and consistency will get us where we need to be"

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the launch team for a digital preview. This book will be great to use for one of my quarterly team building activities. It’s a super fast read and I have included a couple of my favorite quotes:

Consistency -
“To build a great team we must be consistent with our effort each and every day. Consistency is what creates excellence because we are what we repeatedly do, not what we say we’ll do or want to do.”

Connection -
“When a team is connected they feel more committed to each other. We make connections by sharing who we are, talking about our struggles and challenges, making time to have hard and meaningful conversation, and listening to each other.”

Love -
“Leaders who show their teams they love them and care about them have more committed players. A team that loves each other is able to challenge each other to work harder and sacrifice more.”

[Djinkdesign · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book talks about how we could join forces, that one plus one is greater than two. Idea is told by telling a story about a high school basketball team that's in search of team chemistry after being defeated in their 1st season. Coach in his 2nd season applying a new approach hoping to bring players together. We always hear and say let's stick together but never thought of the word stick as in actual sticks. Image of a bundle of sticks really do help reader visualize members of a team being tied together. When a team is willing to go out on the lamb, forget and forgive, love each other and lift each other up, something great can be achieved.

[Amanda Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 2.5. So, on the surface for most adults, this book is okay. Just okay. However, I went back and re-read it with my 9 and 6 year olds who are both very heavy into sports and I felt the lessons in there were great for them. They loved it and loved trying to guess how the team would work together to solve the challenge their coach posed to them. But again, they’re kids. :)

I’m sure a coach of any level could use the premise of this book to motivate their team.

[Nathan Hrnicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Jon Gordon

I really enjoyed the principles of teamwork versus individuality that this book offered. It was a very quick, simple read, but also a great reminder. I plan on getting around 40 copies to distribute to my professional team as encouragement and a great reminder of all we can accomplish together, even in the face of adversity.

[Stephanie Retherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick and wonderful read from Jon Gordon. If my team and I have learned anything, while navigating the challenges of the pandemic, it's the importance of truly being a team. Stick Together shares a powerful message that even the busiest professional can make time for. I cannot wait to share it with every member of my team!

[Kim]

Stick Together by Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell. I have to mix some professional/ motivational books in sometimes! This my most recent The Stick Challenge….what words do your team need to better understand? How can they live those words? What does it really mean to stick together? I enjoyed this book. Processing how to apply it with my own professional team!!!

[Andi Watwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utilizes a Gordon core value of “simple is powerful”
A short story for all levels of leadership that is straight to the point. It gives a powerful message of strengthening your team in an illustrated fable. If you pay attention to the value of the Information provided, you will enjoy the book. If you take it as a literal story, you probably won’t.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being part of a team has always been one of my favorite things. Our kids play sports and I love when coaches get it right and build a cohesive team. It makes me sad when they don’t spend time on building a team that works together. This book has some wonderful reminders of the importance of teams sticking together and the success you can feel.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually rate my books on how I enjoy them, but that’s not really fair in this case. This book is straight to its point on how to stick together as a team. It does read little younger, but really any age could benefit with the teamwork information this provides. It’s straightforward, but it makes sense.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure who the target audience is for this book it but definitley too simplistic (not in a good way) for adults. Maybe readers at the Magic Tree house/Jack and Annie level. The message is good but writing, characters and dialog are just terrible. I was given this book as a teambuilding lesson. I was hoping for something a littler deeper.

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of the launch team, order and read the pre released copy. This book is a quick read with very valuable information related to teams, businesses and life. It's an awesome fable with life information. Another in line of best books by Jon Gordon and telling a story of value.

[Michelle Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an easy and fun reminder of what a team truly means. Easy and quick read that gets you motivated to become a better team member not only for yourself but for your other teammates. VERY HAPPY I ORDER THIS BOOK!! 😍

[Linde Sifuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that is a very short read. The lesson that is taught through this tale is great for adults as well as teenagers. If you know someone who coaches, leads a team at work or plays on a team would benefit reading this book.

[Karen Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration & Insights that Transform businesses and lives. Jon Gordon's timeless illustrated fable will help your team achieve a higher level of success. Karen Briscoe, author and podcast host 5 Minute Success