Extreme Dreams Depend on Teams

by Pat Williams, Patrick Lencioni (Foreword), Pat Williams

Pat says though the vision of one person can change the world, no one can carry out a vision alone. Extreme dreams depend on teams, and lack of teamwork is often how big dreams go unrealized.
Using examples and anecdotes from history and contemporary life, Pat shows how the greatest world-changing events came to be as the result of the passion of single individuals. In each case, a team was assembled with people equipped in the various areas needed to bring the vision to pass. Pat addresses team assembly, dynamics, and pitfalls to give readers guidance they can immediately apply to their own circumstances.
Everyone is looking for ways to be more successful in life. Pat Williams serves up a book packed with practical help to get readers where they want to be.

Genres: Business

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2009

About the author

Patrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.

Reviews

[Marta hoelscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was at the same time inspirational, motivational and just plain fun to read. As an NBA fan I loved reading all Mr. Williams stories about basketball as they fit into his theme of team building - there isn't a sports fan around who wouldn't love this book simply from that aspect.

But I also loved reading this book because it's inspirational. It can be applied to everyday life. Mr. Williams message of dreaming extreme and then putting together the team to do that can be used in almost any situation. Whether it's starting a new business, developing a winning sports team, or building a beatiful house, Mr. Williams advice carries through.

Dream big and then lay the groundwork and gather the people around you to make that dream come true.

Personally, I'm at a point in my life where I'm making some big decisions, and I've started applying some of the ideas from Extreme Dreams Depend on Teams. I'm starting by gathering the people who I need to help me achieve that goal. I'm taking the time and doing the planning and then it will happen.

I'd recommend this book to everyone even if just for the sports stories, because I can almost guarantee that anyone who reads this will walk away a bit more inspired and motivated.

[Todd McQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about setting big goals and utilizing teams. Some great examples and stories. Solid message. A-

[Kim V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine Chapel! Not alone anyway. When he was commissioned by Pope Julius II to execute an Extreme Dream -- painting the Sistine Chapel – he became a master delegator. And so goes one of the many illustrative anecdotes in Extreme Dreams Depends on Teams by Pat Williams. To accomplish the mission Michelangelo led a team of thirteen artists and two hundred crewmen! According to Williams, “Michelangelo sought out the best artists and craftsmen . . . paid them well . . . praised excellent work . . . demanded that everything be done his way – yet encouraged his assistants to add their own artistic flourishes to his creation. Some sections are clearly the work of Michelangelo’s hand. Others . . . are believed to be almost entirely the work of assistants . . . .” In short, what Michelangelo possessed, in addition to artistic genius, were excellent leadership skills and a dream team.

Like the former coach that he is, Williams coaches us (the readers) on the key to achieving big dreams: skillful leadership of a synergistic team. After years of study, Williams has determined the “seven sides of leadership:” Vision; Communication Skills; People Skills; Character; Competence; Boldness; and Servanthood.

A great leader, however, is only as good as the team he leads. And what makes a great team? According to Williams a great team is a committed team: to each other and to a singular goal. A committed team respects and trusts each other and works together to lift up individual members so that collectively they achieve what no one individual can. How does one acquire this dream team? By recruiting talented people and empowering them (to succeed and to make mistakes!). Empowerment, Williams explains, is achieved by: 1) expressing belief in people; 2) listening to them; 3) building others up; 4) not demeaning them; 5) being truthful; 6) saying thank you; 7) giving meaningful praise; and 8) providing occasional encouragement.

Extreme Dreams is an entertaining and enlightening book for both leaders and their teams!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read and I highly recommend for those desiring to do something great.