Book Review: The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to be a Great Teammate

 

The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to be a Great Teammate by Jon Gordon was a great read!  I’d strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves lacrosse…or sports in general.  This book continues Gordon’s streak of great books regarding leadership and teamwork.  I’ve really enjoyed discussing his books with some of the folks on my team as they are looking for systematic ways to invest in both students and adults.

The Hard Hat is a story specifically about George Boiardi, a young man who played lacrosse at Cornell and was killed by a shot to the chest in a lacrosse game.  What an incredible legacy this young man has through the the Boiardi Foundation!  I have really enjoyed learning more about #21 and feel certain you will too!

I highlighted several things while reading and have posted those notes below…

  • By weeding out the wrong people, we are able to zero in on the right guys that fit our culture and then partner with them as they develop into great teammates and a great team.” Location: 282
  • Benjamin Franklin on it: “Well done is better than well said.”  Location: 322
  • George knew the two guys were scared and uncomfortable, so he did what great leaders do. He went first and led the way. Location: 354
  • As a team member, one of the things you control every day is your effort. When you work harder and sweat more, you bring out the best in yourself and your team. Location: 654
  • Humble and hungry are a powerful combination. The minute you think you have arrived at the door of greatness, it will get slammed in your face. The key to success is to be a lifelong learner who continuously works hard to improve. When you stay humble and hungry and focus on the process, you will love what the process produces. Location: 687
  • Each day, it’s important to wake up and strive to be better today than you were yesterday. Location: 701
  • You must demonstrate your commitment in all that you do. And always remember: If you want commitment, be committed. Location: 770
  • To be a great teammate, you want to be consistent in your attitude, effort, and actions. Location: 784
  • If you want to be good, focus on making yourself better. If you want to be great, focus on making yourself and your team better. Location: 884
  • You can’t be a great teammate if you are selfish. Great teammates like George are selfless. This doesn’t mean they think less of themselves; it means they think of themselves less. They are more focused on others and think about how they can serve others. Always remember, you don’t have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great. Location: 901
  • Love truly is the greatest leadership principle and team-building strategy on the planet and if you don’t have it, you can’t share it. Location: 954

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