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The Soul of a Team: A Modern-Day Fable for Winning Teamwork
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Mentor Leader and Quiet Strength comes a book sure to transform your team or organization!
For most people, succeeding in life requires mastering the art of teamwork. Whether at work, school, church, or home, virtually everyone is part of a team―and when they work well, teams can accomplish more than individuals working by themselves.
But not all teams are created equal. When a team isn’t functioning well, individual strengths can be undermined and weaknesses accentuated, making the work environment a terrible place to be. So what does a truly effective team environment look like, and how can you create one within your own organization?
As a former Super Bowl–winning coach, Tony Dungy is an expert at building and bringing out the best in a team. Drawing on his experiences from years of coaching and working with other leaders, this football fable lays out four essential principles practiced by truly effective teams. Telling the story of a fictional NFL team looking for a turnaround, The Soul of a Team not only identifies some of the most common issues that hold a team back but also lays out a game plan for winning teamwork. Whether you aspire to be a better leader or a stronger team player, The Soul of a Team will show you how to contribute to a stronger, healthier, more productive team destined for success.
For most people, succeeding in life requires mastering the art of teamwork. Whether at work, school, church, or home, virtually everyone is part of a team―and when they work well, teams can accomplish more than individuals working by themselves.
But not all teams are created equal. When a team isn’t functioning well, individual strengths can be undermined and weaknesses accentuated, making the work environment a terrible place to be. So what does a truly effective team environment look like, and how can you create one within your own organization?
As a former Super Bowl–winning coach, Tony Dungy is an expert at building and bringing out the best in a team. Drawing on his experiences from years of coaching and working with other leaders, this football fable lays out four essential principles practiced by truly effective teams. Telling the story of a fictional NFL team looking for a turnaround, The Soul of a Team not only identifies some of the most common issues that hold a team back but also lays out a game plan for winning teamwork. Whether you aspire to be a better leader or a stronger team player, The Soul of a Team will show you how to contribute to a stronger, healthier, more productive team destined for success.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
78 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Tony Dungy
107 books189 followersTony Dungy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include Quiet Strength, Uncommon,The Mentor Leader and Uncommon Marriage. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years.
Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs. He also works with Basket of Hope, Impact for Living, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.
He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of ten children.
Connect with Tony at his website (www.coachdungy.com, his blog,Facebook, and Twitter,
Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs. He also works with Basket of Hope, Impact for Living, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.
He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of ten children.
Connect with Tony at his website (www.coachdungy.com, his blog,Facebook, and Twitter,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 5, 2020
Not what I had initially anticipated at all - yet still highly satisfying and thought provoking. Former Indianapolis Coach, Tony Dungy, lays out four leadership principals that can transform a group, workplace, or team, and illustrates how effective they can be through engaging storytelling. He tells the story of the Vipers football team and the year it took to get them from inhouse fighting, selfishness, and separation to unity, respect, and goodwill. It wasn't easy and there were a lot of roadblocks on the way - but when they made an effort to apply the SOUL principals that their mentor Tony Dungy provided them, things slowly started to change. I though football was a great way to tell the story because it's easy to see how the organization fares through wins and losses - but obviously this book is meant for any place of business or organization. At the conclusion of the fable there is a detailed breakdown of each of the SOUL principals, followed by thought provoking questions to get you thinking and on the right track. There are some religious elements thrown in the end (bible references, etc) but those don't necessarily have to be a hinderance. The message of the book is good with or without Tony Dungy's faith at the end. An illustrative guide to creating and cultivating a winning organization.
February 16, 2023
If you're interested in football and leadership/team-building or inter-relational issues/conflict resolution, this one's for you. However, I couldn't care less about football, so this was pretty slow and boring for me, hence the 2 stars. It was a book to read for work with my team and it took us 2 years to read it. If you just want the main point of the book, I'll give it to ya for free :-)
A good, collaborative, mutually benefitting team needs SOUL (Selflessness, Ownership, Unity, Larger Purpose). This binds a team and gets them to help each other selflessly for each other's good, working towards a goal that's bigger than just winning games or making money. You have to really care for each other and the world and want to work together towards that.
A good, collaborative, mutually benefitting team needs SOUL (Selflessness, Ownership, Unity, Larger Purpose). This binds a team and gets them to help each other selflessly for each other's good, working towards a goal that's bigger than just winning games or making money. You have to really care for each other and the world and want to work together towards that.
July 21, 2019
The best teams or organizations have S.O.U.L. according to Coach Dungy. S.O.U.L is a principle based acronym standing for Selflessness, Ownership, Unity, and Larger purpose. He uses a simple and straightforward fable about a fictional football team combined with personal testimonials and biblical scripture to support each principle. In some respect this book is similar to Patrick Lencioni book on the five dysfunctions of a team, but written with more of a biblical and positive driven approach which supports what I expected from Coach Dungy. Book would make for a good group discussion with a team.
December 26, 2018
Was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and it was fantastic. Great read on leadership and told through a fictional football team. Loved the idea to write this as a fable. Well done.
February 2, 2019
The latest book by NFL Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy is unlike his other books. This one is written as a leadership fable, similar to books by Patrick Lencioni, Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller. He tells us that the number one topic he is asked to speak about is teamwork. In this book, he tells an interesting story about the three-year old fictious Orlando Vipers professional football team, at times drawing on actual people and incidents he has observed. He then summarizes his main points in a “Putting the Principles into Practice” section, which includes definitions, diagnosis and development sections. The book also includes a helpful “Group Discussion Guide”. The author writes that while the story may be set in professional football, the principles apply to all teams, whether within a family unit, a company or church, or a high school drama club.
The Vipers had missed the playoffs in the final week of the season, and team president Terry is looking to make major changes, including the firing of key personnel. He reaches out to his friend Tony to do some consulting, to give him a fresh perspective and tell him what is wrong with the team. The Vipers general manager is Gym and Joe is their head coach. In three years, Joe’s record is just 23-25. He is in danger of losing his job. The team is owned by Owen, who is wanting a new stadium to replace their current dated stadium in Orlando. If he doesn’t get the new stadium, he is threatening to move the team to Oakland. In order to build fan support for the team, he needs a winner. The pressure is on.
Tony begins by meeting with the team leadership, including Whit, the team’s offensive coordinator and “DC”, the defensive coordinator. He then gets to know a few of the team’s key players, such as quarterback, Austin, wide receiver Wickie and running back Don.
The story takes us through the staff getting ready for the college draft, where neither the scouts nor the coaches ever openly addressed any character-related issues—good or bad—when they discussed their target players. They then proceed to minicamp.
After spending a few months with the team, Tony meets with Terry and tells him that in his opinion, the biggest problem with the team is that it’s not a team. There is infighting among the staff, some players are only playing only for themselves, while others are not doing their jobs, and there is a lack of positive core values guiding their decisions and moving them forward. In other words, the problem revolves around teamwork.
Tony introduces the concept of SOUL to the team. SOUL is an acronym that represents four essential principles practiced by truly effective teams. He tells them that he has yet to encounter a successful team that doesn’t practice these principles. SOUL stands for:
S- Selflessness
O – Ownership
U – Unity
L - Larger Purpose
Will Tony be able to convince the coaches, players and staff and owner to buy into the principles of SOUL? The future of the franchise in Orlando and several key jobs on the team will depend on it. The book, which takes us through the following season, is a quick-read, and would be a good book to read and discuss with others on your team, but it at work, church, etc.
As I read the book, I highlighted a number of passages. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
• Teams that exemplify the principles of selflessness, ownership, and unity—teams working toward a larger purpose—are naturally stronger, healthier, more productive, more dedicated, and more successful.
• Unity isn’t just about everyone getting along; it’s also about making sure everyone feels they’re included, valued, and contributing to the larger purpose.”
• Simply put, a team that has SOUL can and will accomplish far more than one that doesn’t. It’s what gives a team its identity, its focus, its drive, and its sense of being. It’s what inspires individual members to do their best and to come together as one to achieve something as a group that wouldn’t be possible by any one person.
• Great leaders set the standard, model excellence, and hold others accountable—and that needs to happen at every level for a team to be successful in the long haul.
• Putting your interests aside for the good of the team ultimately benefits both you and those with whom you work.
• No matter your role or position, you must be selfless and realize that it’s not all about you. You are a part of something bigger.
The Vipers had missed the playoffs in the final week of the season, and team president Terry is looking to make major changes, including the firing of key personnel. He reaches out to his friend Tony to do some consulting, to give him a fresh perspective and tell him what is wrong with the team. The Vipers general manager is Gym and Joe is their head coach. In three years, Joe’s record is just 23-25. He is in danger of losing his job. The team is owned by Owen, who is wanting a new stadium to replace their current dated stadium in Orlando. If he doesn’t get the new stadium, he is threatening to move the team to Oakland. In order to build fan support for the team, he needs a winner. The pressure is on.
Tony begins by meeting with the team leadership, including Whit, the team’s offensive coordinator and “DC”, the defensive coordinator. He then gets to know a few of the team’s key players, such as quarterback, Austin, wide receiver Wickie and running back Don.
The story takes us through the staff getting ready for the college draft, where neither the scouts nor the coaches ever openly addressed any character-related issues—good or bad—when they discussed their target players. They then proceed to minicamp.
After spending a few months with the team, Tony meets with Terry and tells him that in his opinion, the biggest problem with the team is that it’s not a team. There is infighting among the staff, some players are only playing only for themselves, while others are not doing their jobs, and there is a lack of positive core values guiding their decisions and moving them forward. In other words, the problem revolves around teamwork.
Tony introduces the concept of SOUL to the team. SOUL is an acronym that represents four essential principles practiced by truly effective teams. He tells them that he has yet to encounter a successful team that doesn’t practice these principles. SOUL stands for:
S- Selflessness
O – Ownership
U – Unity
L - Larger Purpose
Will Tony be able to convince the coaches, players and staff and owner to buy into the principles of SOUL? The future of the franchise in Orlando and several key jobs on the team will depend on it. The book, which takes us through the following season, is a quick-read, and would be a good book to read and discuss with others on your team, but it at work, church, etc.
As I read the book, I highlighted a number of passages. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
• Teams that exemplify the principles of selflessness, ownership, and unity—teams working toward a larger purpose—are naturally stronger, healthier, more productive, more dedicated, and more successful.
• Unity isn’t just about everyone getting along; it’s also about making sure everyone feels they’re included, valued, and contributing to the larger purpose.”
• Simply put, a team that has SOUL can and will accomplish far more than one that doesn’t. It’s what gives a team its identity, its focus, its drive, and its sense of being. It’s what inspires individual members to do their best and to come together as one to achieve something as a group that wouldn’t be possible by any one person.
• Great leaders set the standard, model excellence, and hold others accountable—and that needs to happen at every level for a team to be successful in the long haul.
• Putting your interests aside for the good of the team ultimately benefits both you and those with whom you work.
• No matter your role or position, you must be selfless and realize that it’s not all about you. You are a part of something bigger.
May 27, 2019
Live with SOUL:
Selflessness
Own Your Role
Unity
Larger Purpose.
That is the theme of this book. Rather than spend 250 pages trying to explain how this SOUL thing is supposed to work, Tony tells the story of a fictional football team that was at its wit's end and falling apart and through his help embraced SOUL and made a complete turnaround. It was a very interesting read and was so much more fun than spending those same number of pages trying to grasp an elusive concept. Seeing the concept put into action through the pages of a story made it much more realistic and attainable.
No, I don't play football, but the SOUL concept can apply to any area of life. I can use it as a stay-at-home mom with littles. In fact, I need it, because I don't always want to be selfless and put my children first. I'm not always eager to own my role when it includes doing things I don't like doing, when it includes the behind-the-scenes things that no one ever sees. How much fun is that? But if I can do with my husband, as a unified team, and for a larger purpose, it makes it so much easier.
What is your larger purpose? For the fictional football team, it was reaching out into the community and trying to make a difference both on and off the field, making football games attainable for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend. For me, as a mom, I think of it as remembering that I am raising adults. It's focusing on showing them Jesus, on showing them what it means to be part of a community, of reaching out and helping others. But first, I have to have that larger purpose for myself as well.
I really enjoyed this book and I think it has some powerful takeaways for every person, whether you are the lowest person on the totem pole or the CEO of a billion dollar company, whether you are a student in school, a mom in the trenches or a dad with a home business, we all need SOUL.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
Selflessness
Own Your Role
Unity
Larger Purpose.
That is the theme of this book. Rather than spend 250 pages trying to explain how this SOUL thing is supposed to work, Tony tells the story of a fictional football team that was at its wit's end and falling apart and through his help embraced SOUL and made a complete turnaround. It was a very interesting read and was so much more fun than spending those same number of pages trying to grasp an elusive concept. Seeing the concept put into action through the pages of a story made it much more realistic and attainable.
No, I don't play football, but the SOUL concept can apply to any area of life. I can use it as a stay-at-home mom with littles. In fact, I need it, because I don't always want to be selfless and put my children first. I'm not always eager to own my role when it includes doing things I don't like doing, when it includes the behind-the-scenes things that no one ever sees. How much fun is that? But if I can do with my husband, as a unified team, and for a larger purpose, it makes it so much easier.
What is your larger purpose? For the fictional football team, it was reaching out into the community and trying to make a difference both on and off the field, making football games attainable for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend. For me, as a mom, I think of it as remembering that I am raising adults. It's focusing on showing them Jesus, on showing them what it means to be part of a community, of reaching out and helping others. But first, I have to have that larger purpose for myself as well.
I really enjoyed this book and I think it has some powerful takeaways for every person, whether you are the lowest person on the totem pole or the CEO of a billion dollar company, whether you are a student in school, a mom in the trenches or a dad with a home business, we all need SOUL.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
November 16, 2024
3.5
When I watch a "based on a true story" sports movie, I'm always asking "what of this is true and what of this is Hollywood." So often the true story is just better than the Hollywood stuff that is added to round out the tale. Dungy presents here for us a story that's all Hollywood, but based on an amalgamation of his experiences. In order to endure the fairy tale aspects of what he was sharing I had to turn my mind off and just hope that what was being presented was formed from bits and pieces of truth.
The story is fun. There are some real moments of understanding that come from it. But at the end of the tale when he connects some of the concepts with the real players and coaches he worked along side I could finally breath easy again.
The SOUL concepts from this book are lovely, well taught and explained. I enjoyed the book but dont have any plans to buy them to hand out. If you are looking for a book to help get a disfunctional team or organization headed in the right direction this may be a helpful book to read. But is brief and somewhat heartwarming so there is that.
When I watch a "based on a true story" sports movie, I'm always asking "what of this is true and what of this is Hollywood." So often the true story is just better than the Hollywood stuff that is added to round out the tale. Dungy presents here for us a story that's all Hollywood, but based on an amalgamation of his experiences. In order to endure the fairy tale aspects of what he was sharing I had to turn my mind off and just hope that what was being presented was formed from bits and pieces of truth.
The story is fun. There are some real moments of understanding that come from it. But at the end of the tale when he connects some of the concepts with the real players and coaches he worked along side I could finally breath easy again.
The SOUL concepts from this book are lovely, well taught and explained. I enjoyed the book but dont have any plans to buy them to hand out. If you are looking for a book to help get a disfunctional team or organization headed in the right direction this may be a helpful book to read. But is brief and somewhat heartwarming so there is that.
June 25, 2021
I love the honesty and integrity of Tony Dungy, and this book exhibits his character and motivations while setting out an acronym for its readers to think about and apply. At first I wasn’t sure I liked the narrative of the fictional football team, but Dungy tied everything together nicely in his final chapter to discuss what he was trying to demonstrate throughout the fictional narrative. The narrative was actually a good way to display the acronym S.O.U.L. in a creative way allowing the readers to relate to the characters in the story and see how they responded to each new situation.
While this book wasn’t the best self-help book or Christian motivational book I’ve ever read, I certainly agree with everything Tony Dungy says in this book and can benefit from its message. I can absolutely recommend this book for people seeking to be better team leaders, or are simply fans of football and Coach Dungy.
While this book wasn’t the best self-help book or Christian motivational book I’ve ever read, I certainly agree with everything Tony Dungy says in this book and can benefit from its message. I can absolutely recommend this book for people seeking to be better team leaders, or are simply fans of football and Coach Dungy.
February 26, 2019
This is a truly fantastic book that explains how 53 men on a football field can work together and how a man and his wife can adopt 10 children and make it all work. I LOVED this book.
You feel great reading it. It explains the concept of SOUL. I'm not talking about what each human has I'm talking about a concept that could apply to any group, government, club or organization.
If this was Coach Dungy's idea then he is truly gifted and this book should be on everyone's reading list. It is an eye-opener and it explains how groups of people should treat each other to change into a body to do good things, work together instead of against each other, and to respect everyone in the group.
I can see this concept changing lives and his wife Lauren understands and practices this same philosophy at home I'm sure. It shows in the way they planned their summer vacation.
You feel great reading it. It explains the concept of SOUL. I'm not talking about what each human has I'm talking about a concept that could apply to any group, government, club or organization.
If this was Coach Dungy's idea then he is truly gifted and this book should be on everyone's reading list. It is an eye-opener and it explains how groups of people should treat each other to change into a body to do good things, work together instead of against each other, and to respect everyone in the group.
I can see this concept changing lives and his wife Lauren understands and practices this same philosophy at home I'm sure. It shows in the way they planned their summer vacation.
January 30, 2021
I read this book over the while I was working on the landscaping crew for a gated community this summer. The leader of all the divisions had us read this book in order to maximize the effectiveness of the teamwork that the crew members performed. The book was meant for us to utilize the process of S.O.U.L., which would allow us to work together to even further the quality of work we did. This book did live up to my expectations as it was a very structured book on the benefits of teamwork. My personal connection to this book is having to read it while working my summer job. The idea that in order to succeed everyone must contribute to the effort rather than one person not following the group. The age limit should anyone who needs to learn the value of teamwork and how it will benefit everyone in the end. The age should be from 12-100 years old.
May 21, 2019
I received Soul of a Team as part of a Kindle giveaway. This book is perfect. I freely admit that the most of the football terminology was lost on me. But teamwork is important in all facets of life whether on the field, the classroom or in an office. Looking back on the teams I've been a part of the ones that worked had soul. They may not have had a theme but they believed in each other and the larger purpose. I've worked with non-profits who tried to used the idea of a larger purpose but there was no team because those at the top and those at the bottom had different ideals. This is a book for anyone going to work in today's climate. It would be a great gift for college/high school graduates.
November 10, 2020
Great book on what it takes to truly have a successful team. In the story, you follow the Vipers as they go from a team who can't work together to a team who is cohesive, selfless and motivated. In the story, Tony comes in as an outside consultant. I appreciated seeing the team go through the stages of growth to reach success (which we know is not a Super Bowl trophy - though that is a nice bit of icing on the cake).
I highly recommend this book whether you are an avid sports fan or someone like me that enjoys a game or two or perhaps not at all. Tony does an amazing job explaining things you may not know without being dry or boring. This book is also good for any employee or manager to help you check in to see if you have SOUL.
I highly recommend this book whether you are an avid sports fan or someone like me that enjoys a game or two or perhaps not at all. Tony does an amazing job explaining things you may not know without being dry or boring. This book is also good for any employee or manager to help you check in to see if you have SOUL.
September 16, 2019
RATING 4.125
I'm a fan of Tony Dungy as a coach and commentator. (This, despite his ties to the Steelers, which is one of the only teams I root against in the NFL). I love that he wants his life and experience to serve a greater purpose than just the direct impact he has in his actions. But I suppose I'm starting at the end, since the "L" in "SOUL" stands for "Larger Purpose".
Oh yeah, "SOUL" is an acronym. And the book is largely a fictional representation of practical life strategies. He circles around at the end to reiterate and clarify each point, but the book works on both a fictional and non-fictional level. An enjoyable read and sound advice for those who may listen.
I'm a fan of Tony Dungy as a coach and commentator. (This, despite his ties to the Steelers, which is one of the only teams I root against in the NFL). I love that he wants his life and experience to serve a greater purpose than just the direct impact he has in his actions. But I suppose I'm starting at the end, since the "L" in "SOUL" stands for "Larger Purpose".
Oh yeah, "SOUL" is an acronym. And the book is largely a fictional representation of practical life strategies. He circles around at the end to reiterate and clarify each point, but the book works on both a fictional and non-fictional level. An enjoyable read and sound advice for those who may listen.
October 30, 2022
Using the acronym SOUL Dungy does an excellent job or laying out what is at the heart of leadership.
Selflessness, Ownership, Unity and Larger purpose are the four areas of building a team of winners.
Written in a novel form it is the story that tell about a fictional NFL team and what it takes to turn it from a losing to a winning organization. While the story only covers a year and would be hard to pull off the kind of change that occurs it is easy to see how the foundations can be laid for turning an organization around.
An enjoyable short read it is packed with powerful thought provoking challenges that show a model of leadership that wants the best for all.
Selflessness, Ownership, Unity and Larger purpose are the four areas of building a team of winners.
Written in a novel form it is the story that tell about a fictional NFL team and what it takes to turn it from a losing to a winning organization. While the story only covers a year and would be hard to pull off the kind of change that occurs it is easy to see how the foundations can be laid for turning an organization around.
An enjoyable short read it is packed with powerful thought provoking challenges that show a model of leadership that wants the best for all.
June 29, 2019
SOUL
Selflessness - question posed: When was the last time you put the needs of a team member in front of your own? On a good team all are asking this question.
Ownership - Col. 3:23 - question posed: How invested are you in your position on a day-today basis? Good team members own their mistakes. Good team leaders help team members with ownership by acknowledging their contributions and encouraging their continued growth.
Unity - questions posed: How open are your team members to giving and receiving input from one another? As a team leader, what steps are you taking to promote unity in the ranks? As a team member, how readily do you accept the decisions of your superiors? Learn to engage in constructive conflict.
Larger purpose - question posed: In what way does a unified larger purpose guide and direct your organization top to bottom? Help each member of the team see the unique contribution that he/she has to give.
Selflessness - question posed: When was the last time you put the needs of a team member in front of your own? On a good team all are asking this question.
Ownership - Col. 3:23 - question posed: How invested are you in your position on a day-today basis? Good team members own their mistakes. Good team leaders help team members with ownership by acknowledging their contributions and encouraging their continued growth.
Unity - questions posed: How open are your team members to giving and receiving input from one another? As a team leader, what steps are you taking to promote unity in the ranks? As a team member, how readily do you accept the decisions of your superiors? Learn to engage in constructive conflict.
Larger purpose - question posed: In what way does a unified larger purpose guide and direct your organization top to bottom? Help each member of the team see the unique contribution that he/she has to give.
June 28, 2021
Dungy presents his lessons for building a team through sharing the story of the Orlando Vipers, a fictional NFL that is dysfunctional in numerous ways. In the fable, Dungy is brought in to serve as a consultant. It's in this role that Dungy presents his approach to building a team. There isn't anything earthshattering, in fact most of it seems to be good common sense, yet in todays world where businesses and teams are tempted to focus on short term profits and wins, its easy to lose sight of longterm goals and higher aspirations.
August 12, 2019
so imaginative this book makes you think you're in the middle of the struggle that it presents. Spirts enthusiast all enjoy this read as they associate the game of football with most important nag that exist--life. The concept of SOUL the author presents is the high even leadership that every individual should want to exude in his or her life. A fantastic read for christians and christian athletes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Good book
Very good book
I like the set up
90% of the book is a story about a fictional team that learns to be a team and have a “SOUL” (acronym explained in the book)
The last 10% is explaining the morals learned in the book, along with evidence from Tony’s life of these morals
Overall, an easy read with a simple message of a team gaining a unified vision for themself and their community
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants help developing a team culture
Very good book
I like the set up
90% of the book is a story about a fictional team that learns to be a team and have a “SOUL” (acronym explained in the book)
The last 10% is explaining the morals learned in the book, along with evidence from Tony’s life of these morals
Overall, an easy read with a simple message of a team gaining a unified vision for themself and their community
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants help developing a team culture
July 30, 2021
Very quick and easy read with a lot of useful information.
I know just enough about football to get by in a conversation, but I know enough about leadership and teamwork to see it succeeding.
This was a great book to see the SOUL leadership aspects in play. Before this book, I had never heard of SOUL, but I definitely feel it touched the important aspects of a successful team. Will definitely share its teachings with my peers!
I know just enough about football to get by in a conversation, but I know enough about leadership and teamwork to see it succeeding.
This was a great book to see the SOUL leadership aspects in play. Before this book, I had never heard of SOUL, but I definitely feel it touched the important aspects of a successful team. Will definitely share its teachings with my peers!
May 19, 2019
This is not just a story about football. And please don't label it as such. It's an awesome story about how to successfully build a functioning, performing team. The truth reveal in this book can transform relationships, businesses, etc. The written fables story reveals so much more than just football. I thoroughly enjoy and highly recommend this material. The SOUL concepts, if applied, can truly be life-changing.
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October 6, 2020If you want to understand how to motivate and get individuals to work together as a team then this is the book for you. Tony dungy reads the book himself which in my opinion adds credence to this book and leadership development. very visual and stories that are real and relatable to any industry you may be in.
April 20, 2021
Short and easy to listen to. Nice that Tony Dungy narrates himself. Some fantastic principles and a few memorable anecdotal stories. Three stars simply because it was not particularly earth-shattering, nor do I feel like I will be quick to push others to read. Definitely interested in reading other Nathan Whitaker books though.
August 8, 2023
What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Matthew 16:26
Human is not created to work alone, but work as a community and a team. Cultivating a culture of SOUL seems so basic, but so necessary to reach the larger purpose. Easy read for a football fan and a must read for anyone who is either a leader or member as long as part of a team.
Matthew 16:26
Human is not created to work alone, but work as a community and a team. Cultivating a culture of SOUL seems so basic, but so necessary to reach the larger purpose. Easy read for a football fan and a must read for anyone who is either a leader or member as long as part of a team.
October 2, 2019
A great book that uses a fictional NFL team to depict how a team can be successful. The method used to bring success does not apply only in the sports realm but also in the non-sports affiliated corporate realm. Find your SOUL and use it to make your team and business successful.
March 1, 2021
Tony Dungy used a fictionalized team to teach us about selflessness, ownership, unity, and a bigger/ larger purpose in our daily lives as well as our team lives, on and off the field. He shows us that winning is important, but your faithful life/daily life is more important.
May 22, 2022
I enjoyed that this book was written as a story, not a “do this…do that” format. Just by seeing how the team got on the same page and turned things around gives practical tools for doing the same with any team you lead.
August 8, 2022
Good leadership book. Focuses on team building and a version of servant leadership. Told in an engaging fictional story format. Probably not a reread but I would encourage my teenage boys to check it out.
July 24, 2024
I'm not a business fable kind of guy but this one gets a pass. It feels more like Dungy is telling real stories of the NFL without damaging any reputations.
Easy to start implementing the principles of SOUL.
Easy to start implementing the principles of SOUL.
February 3, 2019
Great fable to demonstrate what it takes to bring a team together and have them perform at a high level. Strategy works far beyond a sports team!
April 26, 2019
Amazing book. Highly recommended!
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