The Fundamentals: 8 Plays for Winning the Games of Business and Life Reprint edition by Thomas, Isiah, Smith, Wes (2002) Paperback

by Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas has succeeded at every level of his career, from the state title with St. Joseph's High School, to the national championship with Indiana University, to the NBA title with the Detroit Pistons. In his first season as coach of the Indiana Pacers, Thomas took them to the playoffs. How did he do it? By adhering to a set of principles that allowed him to see beyond his circumstances to his possibilities. Now, in The Fundamentals, you'll discover eight strategies that will drive you to higher peaks in your life and career. Coach Thomas will reveal how you can acquire the focus and commitment it takes to be a champion. It won't be easy — it certainly wasn't for a young Isiah growing up poor and hungry on the West Side of Chicago. But now, just as he had important mentors in his life, Thomas will be at your side as you strive for excellence. The Fundamentals demonstrates how you can be a leader of integrity, courage, and generosity and know when to step back so that others can step up. He will show you how to clearly define your short-term and long-term goals, to act based on what you believe in so that you can ascertain and achieve your life's mission. Through it all, Coach Thomas will provide you with stories from his inspirational life — on and off the court — that illustrate the strategies he has shared with Fortune 500 companies and groups and organizations. Here are invaluable fundamentals — hard earned, field-tested, and easy to grasp — that will get you off the bench and into the trenches.

Genres: Sports

Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty similar to many other ghost written "success manuals". I've read way too many of these.

I have to say though that at the time I read it I did enjoy it.

I wonder what I really took away though?

[Tedi31 · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2005, I began reading Isiah Thomas‘ book as part of my dissertation research and I found Coach Thomas to be a good storyteller capable of blending his experiences in basketball and business.

Among the highlights of his book, Thomas (2001) shares his Indiana University mantra which echoed qualities that every individual could aspire for: “self-development, preparation, concentration, and execution.” Thomas added that these characteristics were incorporated into the coaching drills and programs that he participated in during his time at Indiana University so as to teach “how to (use a skill) “what to (deciding between two or more skills), and when to (knowing the actual moment to use the developed skill)” (Paye, 1996). Thomas (2001) also leaves his readers with this thought, character is usually found in “unconventional places” as opposed to right in front of us.

For more, visit: http://www.hankpym.com

[Welson Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of it is filled with opinions. Some of the major points are inspirational but overall, it could be better. Still, my review is colored after watching him nearly run the New York Knicks into the ground.

[Ryan]

Some good application for leadership. Unity stems from having a common goal.
Sometimes being a leader means stepping back to let others lead.

[Laurie Sepulveda]

Amazing story of triumph and overcoming poverty to become successful.