By Dan Sukman
If you want to go somewhere fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go together.
– Glen Sather
Sports often serve as a metaphor, and in many cases as a testing ground for real life. There are lessons we learn playing youth sports that we carry into adulthood that serve us well in our careers. Traits such as hard work, discipline, physical fitness, fair play, and teamwork apply not only to sports but in our roles as military leaders. While participation as an athlete can build these qualities, the mantle of coaching carries its own set of skills.
Following the example of Ryan and Megan in their review of Eleven Rings when March Madness set in, this review will examine three books on hockey and the common leadership themes of each as the NHL playoffs get underway.
- Behind the Bench by Craig Custance details the coaching philosophies of recent Stanley Cup head coaches including Joe Quenneville of the Blackhawks, Mike Babcock of the Red Wings, Dan Bylsma and Jack Sullivan of the Penguins, John Tortorella of the Lightning (note that most of these coaches have moved on from the teams they earned their Stanley Cup with).
- Let Them Lead by John Bacon is a memoir that follows the author through a season coaching a high school hockey team. Bacon takes a team that has been a perennial loser and turns them into a consistent winner.
- No One Wins Alone by Mark Messier is a memoir by one of the greatest players and leaders in NHL history. In his time in the League, Messier earned the nickname “The Captain” for his leadership abilities on the ice.
These books stand out and offer valuable leadership lessons from the coach and player perspective.