Leadership: Lessons from Bill Snyder

I am a member of the first graduating class of Leadership Studies minors at Kansas State University. The process of the creation of this book from the conceptual stage to the final product is indicative of its value to the study of leadership. Drs. Scott and Shoop demonstrated collaboration and teamwork in order to create this book. The book puts forth excellent examples that aid in the understanding of current leadership philosophy. Besides the obvious educational benefit, any sports fan would appreciate the inside information from the man that has orchestrated the greatest turnaround in college football history. In today's society that is so sports-oriented, the result is a wonderful book on leadership that is interesting and will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

I was strongly moved while reading this book. This book has helped me realize the strong fundamentals that are adhered to at KSU can be spread to everyday business. With the support of everyone, anything can be done. I read the book because my son has recently transferred to K-State and will be a part of the "great things" at K-State in the direction of Coach Snyder. They may not have won a conference championship yet but good things will continue to happen to a program that is built on morals and values. Good luck to the Wildcats in 1999!

The Kansas State football success has been called the "Miracle in Manhattan". It is no miracle, it is due to Bill Snyder's leadership ability. The essence is incredible hard work, attention to minute detail, the highest ethics and a family atmosphere.

All of life is about basic fundamentals. It would take a library to capture the across-the-board philosophies of some so-called great minds. But, to paraphrase Forrest Gump--A leader is what a leader does. Coach Synder is obviously a great leader. He has built a dynasty--where ALL the odds were against him--by adhering to strong moral principles with an emphasis toward a sound work ethic and attention to basic fundamentals. This is not lofty, academic dribble. It's the basic fundamentals of leadership. And the best part is ... you can read in about a two-hour plane flight.

This book is an easy to understand, step-by-step book on applied leadership principles of one of the greatest college football coaches of all times! Coach Snyder's approach to leadership is readily adaptable by anyone in a leadership position. Dr Shoop and Dr Scott carefully applied Coach Snyder's principles/traits and then supported these with real-world comments by people both external and internal to his sphere of influence. The supporting documentation/comments from these "real-world" experiences enhances the applicability of this book for any leaders "must" have portfolio. This book is a must for anyone in a leadership position, aspiring to be in one, a student of leadership, or a coach. Finally there is an easy to read, comprehend, and apply book on leadership.