Just
finished reading two excellent books, both of which I highly recommend. 
by Tim Brown. Brown
is now head of IDEO, the premier design firm in the world. I have immersed myself
in studying design and how design influences innovation and change; of course
my interest has been to apply these ideas and concepts to teaching and
coaching. I firmly believe that innovation in coaching is going to have come
from outside. Sport and coaching are too into monkey see, monkey do. We have to
look beyond tradition and what is today considered current best practice. This
book really nails it, especially his last two chapters. If you are interested
in this area I also recommend The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley
& and Jonathan Littman and The Ten faces of Innovation:IDEO's Strategies for Defeating the Devil's Advocate and Driving Creativity Throughout Your Organization by
Thomas Kelley and Jonathan Littman. These books have certainly influenced me to
take another fresh look at the whole process of coaching and Athletic Development.
The
other book The Fourth Star – Four Generals And The Epic Struggle For The Future Of
The United States Army by David Cloud and Greg Jaffe. This one is right
out of today’s headlines. It tracks the rise of Gen. John Abazid, Gen. George Casey
Jr, Gen Peter Chiarelli and Gen David Patraeus. It is fascinating to see how
these men rose through the ranks to be in the positions there are in today. How
each of them worked to change the huge monolithic organization, the US Army. It
is a great study in change, innovation, communication and leadership methods
and styles. This book certainly provides a behind the scenes look at today’s
news.