Joe Torre's Ground Rules for Winners: 12 Keys to Managing Team Players, Tough Bosses, Setbacks, and Success

by Joe Torre, Henry Dreher

Just when baseball was desperately in need of a hero, along came Joe Torre, the unflappable manager of the New York Yankees, who led North Americas favourite team to two world championships and the best single-season record in the history of the game. When Torre first took the helm in 1996, he was much like any employee with a high-pressure job; he had to contend with a record of recent failures, team infighting, outsized egos, and a notoriously difficult boss. Within months, he had implemented a winning formula for team chemistry, hard work, good spirits, and a workable relationship with his tough boss. In the tradition of the bestselling Success Is a Choice, by Rick Pitino and the extraordinary Raise the Roof by Pat Head Summitt, Torre divulges his 12 keys to managerial success. His invaluable advice and management methods apply just as well off the field as they do on and will motivate almost anyone to perform better. With entertaining stories from his experiences with the always colourful Yankees, he describes his strategies, including specific communication skills, the small bites approach, trust and respect toward team players, and a style of serenity and optimism. Joe Torre is a unique role model, a leader who projects an image of integrity, equanimity, and fairness. Sports enthusiasts, as well as executives, employees, and anyone faced with the challenge of managing people, will be enlightened and inspired by this guide to winning in the business world and in life. Joe Torre clinched his second World Series as the manager of the New York Yankees in 1998, making him the toast of New York. Henry Dreher is a New York-based writer who specializes in health and self-help. He has authored many books, as well as magazine articles and corporate speeches.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Leadership, Business, Biography, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very useful book as a teacher. His rules cross over job descriptions and demonstrate the reasons why he has been so successful as a manager.

[Mike Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great trip down memory lane with Joe Torre. Some really good life and career advice through a baseball lens. The book mainly uses Joe’s first three seasons with the Yanks and 2 World Series wins for examples. Yes, the book is dated now, but still contains some good keys for success.

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected, and no I did not read completely, Should be on the self help list not SPORTS.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of nice advice here but overall a bit disheveled and rambling.

[Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio will appeal mostly to business managers and work group leaders who are familiar with big league baseball. That is not to say that nonfans will be disappointed in hearing the management philosophy of arguably the most successful current manager in professional baseball; it's just that fans will find the narrative greatly enriched by Torre's practical examples of his successes and failures with the sport's elite.

This very nicely produced tape is a pleasant surprise because the author proves to be as excellent a reader as he is a manager. Yes, a lot of this can be categorized as managerial common sense, but it's Torre's application of his "12 keys to managing" and his baseball examples that will lead listeners to attempt to modify communications with problem team members, motivate their players, or change their approach to a "bad" boss. Fans will have the additional pleasure of learning Torre's managerial perspectives on the work habits, personalities, and motivations of some of the Yankees and knowing that his tough boss is George Steinbrenner.

[Angelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice and great approach!

[J. R. Martin]

Inspirational