The Fundamentals by Isiah Thomas (2001, Hardcover)

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.