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Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life
In this informative and inspirational book, Coach K, Duke University's head basketball coach, tells readers how he coaxes peak performances from his team, relying on lessons he learned as a captain in the U.S. Army.
Duke University's head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has proved himself a leader both on and off the court. He's led the Duke Blue Devils to five straight Final Four appearances, culminating in back-to-back championships in 1991 and '92. He has received five National Coach of the Year Awards—and many of the players he coached in college have gone on to NBA stardom.
From sportsmanship to respect, Leading with the Heart is a genuine gift from a coach who knows how to lead with heart.
Duke University's head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has proved himself a leader both on and off the court. He's led the Duke Blue Devils to five straight Final Four appearances, culminating in back-to-back championships in 1991 and '92. He has received five National Coach of the Year Awards—and many of the players he coached in college have gone on to NBA stardom.
From sportsmanship to respect, Leading with the Heart is a genuine gift from a coach who knows how to lead with heart.
291 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2000
471 people are currently reading
5583 people want to read
About the author
Mike Krzyzewski
40 books65 followersMike Krzyzewski has been the basketball coach of the Duke Blue Devils for twenty-seven years, winning three NCAA championships and twelve national Coach of the Year awards. He is revered and respected by sports fans and business leaders everywhere. Coach K. lives with his family in Durham, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
August 24, 2023
Who else is here because there were too many references to Coach K in the Bear show and you just had to find out more about his approach? :D
October 21, 2024
The Bear made me read this
April 13, 2018
I had higher hopes for this book because of what I know of Coach K's character. I was disappointed because there was not much to separate this book from any other leadership book written by a coach.
I did find chapter 12 (Celebrate Tradition) to be a neat insight into some of the unique aspects of Duke basketball culture. It is this chapter that reaffirmed my respect for Coach K and how he chooses to live his life and run his program. His description of the time he spent with Jim Valvano was also moving and again highlights who Coach K is and what matters most to him.
If you like Duke or Coach K and you are looking for leadership book to read, then I recommend this book. If you are looking for a leadership book to read, pick up a dart and throw it at the board to choose as I find most books in this genre to be very similar.
In my opinion, the one book in this genre that transcends the others is Wooden on Leadership. As great a coach and human being as Coach K may be, his book doesn't come close to Wooden's but neither does any other that I have read.
I did find chapter 12 (Celebrate Tradition) to be a neat insight into some of the unique aspects of Duke basketball culture. It is this chapter that reaffirmed my respect for Coach K and how he chooses to live his life and run his program. His description of the time he spent with Jim Valvano was also moving and again highlights who Coach K is and what matters most to him.
If you like Duke or Coach K and you are looking for leadership book to read, then I recommend this book. If you are looking for a leadership book to read, pick up a dart and throw it at the board to choose as I find most books in this genre to be very similar.
In my opinion, the one book in this genre that transcends the others is Wooden on Leadership. As great a coach and human being as Coach K may be, his book doesn't come close to Wooden's but neither does any other that I have read.
April 25, 2024
Coach K more like Coach ridiKulous. Honestly the book was good enough since I’m a slut for sports books. But… Coach K puts the K in narKissist. His leadership advice reads like he read a different leadership book and thought “Coach K is pretty good at leadership, let me write a book about how good of a leader I am.”
The first indicator of this is that at each chapter Coach K puts in three quotes of his own. The only other people to get quoted are Jimmy V (former NC state head coach that died of cancer and founded the V foundation) and Coach K’s wife.
In addition to this, Coach K makes up several conversations that never actually occurred to reinforce this. In one of these conversations his own daughter refers to him as Coach K. Not dad. Not daddy. Not father. Not pops. But Coach K. WTF!
In addition to that, his reaction to finding out his daughter survived an attempted carjacking at gun point was to ask what hat he was wearing. When he found out the man was wearing a hat that said Florida on it Coach K took it as his mission to beat Florida in their next game. Doesn’t seem to even care about his daughter beyond getting motivation for his next game.
He writes this book about himself and consistently shares stories that are things someone should eulogize about you. Not tell them about yourself. His worst offense was that he tells the story of when he spilled water all over the court. When the team manager came over to clean up the spill Coach K took his towel and cleaned it up himself. He then said to the manager “Justin, one day when you’re the CEO of your own company you’ll clean up your own messes.”
Beyond this, it is clear this man thinks he is the only reason for the success at Duke. His worst offense is that he claimed the sole reason why his team beat Clemson by going on a 28-0 run is because he got so angry he took his suit coat off. Not the fact that his team was littered with NBA players against a non-basketball school. Nope it’s just that Coach K showed off his f******* sweat stains and it got his players so fired up that they won.
Instead of admitting to the fact that he cheats and paid players (before it was legal) Coach K tried to claim that he almost wouldn’t recruit a player that rolls his eyes at his parents. Given that he had the disclaimer of almost is more than enough to burn his whole chapter on recruiting players that respect authority.
Lastly, let’s not forget that several times Coach K brings up the Vietnam war unprompted. He claims America would have won if they were trying to win. Then he tries to spin that into some weird analogy to how he actually wants to win. Ok… coach K.
If I had to sum up this book in one sentence here it is:
Boomer gives unsolicited leadership advice while revealing he is a narcissist.
The first indicator of this is that at each chapter Coach K puts in three quotes of his own. The only other people to get quoted are Jimmy V (former NC state head coach that died of cancer and founded the V foundation) and Coach K’s wife.
In addition to this, Coach K makes up several conversations that never actually occurred to reinforce this. In one of these conversations his own daughter refers to him as Coach K. Not dad. Not daddy. Not father. Not pops. But Coach K. WTF!
In addition to that, his reaction to finding out his daughter survived an attempted carjacking at gun point was to ask what hat he was wearing. When he found out the man was wearing a hat that said Florida on it Coach K took it as his mission to beat Florida in their next game. Doesn’t seem to even care about his daughter beyond getting motivation for his next game.
He writes this book about himself and consistently shares stories that are things someone should eulogize about you. Not tell them about yourself. His worst offense was that he tells the story of when he spilled water all over the court. When the team manager came over to clean up the spill Coach K took his towel and cleaned it up himself. He then said to the manager “Justin, one day when you’re the CEO of your own company you’ll clean up your own messes.”
Beyond this, it is clear this man thinks he is the only reason for the success at Duke. His worst offense is that he claimed the sole reason why his team beat Clemson by going on a 28-0 run is because he got so angry he took his suit coat off. Not the fact that his team was littered with NBA players against a non-basketball school. Nope it’s just that Coach K showed off his f******* sweat stains and it got his players so fired up that they won.
Instead of admitting to the fact that he cheats and paid players (before it was legal) Coach K tried to claim that he almost wouldn’t recruit a player that rolls his eyes at his parents. Given that he had the disclaimer of almost is more than enough to burn his whole chapter on recruiting players that respect authority.
Lastly, let’s not forget that several times Coach K brings up the Vietnam war unprompted. He claims America would have won if they were trying to win. Then he tries to spin that into some weird analogy to how he actually wants to win. Ok… coach K.
If I had to sum up this book in one sentence here it is:
Boomer gives unsolicited leadership advice while revealing he is a narcissist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
I have become a basketball fan because of my 8-year old boy who hasn't really become a fan - but I have. Then I have watched everything basketball-related on HBO and Netflix, including "The redeem team", featuring Coach K. And finally - yes - the mentions of this book in "The bear" have been far too many to ignore :)
A very fine book about a very fine man, it teaches about life, family and business principles, rather than just basketball. I am glad indeed that I've finally read it, and eagerly recommend it - especially for sports fans like myself.
A very fine book about a very fine man, it teaches about life, family and business principles, rather than just basketball. I am glad indeed that I've finally read it, and eagerly recommend it - especially for sports fans like myself.
March 6, 2018
Probably one of the only books from school that I actually have enjoyed so far. It was definitely interesting seeing Coach K's thoughts and experiences with leadership and its theories. I'm not a huge basketball fan, so I was really dreading this book going into it. I'm glad that I did read it though, as I've gained some great insight on someone who is a successful team leader and I can definitely apply this to my every day life.
January 28, 2024
This is a semi-autobiographical, semi-self-coaching book where the two parts interact and integrate with each other to form something larger. Coach K's life is full of very useful stories which have shaped his work, his determination, grit, and passion, while in a fast-paced, media centered, quite aggressive and result-focused environment that is College Basketball.
The lessons that I'm taking for me from this book have to do with the fist: Communication, Trust, Collective Responsibility, Caring, and Pride in making things happen - and that any finger open in the fist make it more prone to be broken (that's the intensity of semi-pro/professional sports).
Another useful insight is his view on determining what constitutes to be successful - that it should be something personal and never something dictated entirely by external factors. He'd rather see his players giving it all and eventually losing a game than winning a game but not really playing to their full potential - as the latter doesn't represent an evolution of the team - and the people in the team - and, therefore, even if it's a win, it's not success.
The final lesson, or insight, that I found really useful, appears towards the final chapters of his book, where he realizes that Basketball, either playing the game or coaching it, is not the ultimate final goal - it's just the tool, the way, he used to connect to other people and to, in a general sense, humanity. Even though there was always intense focus on the smallest details (the next game, the next quarter, the next play, the next 2 seconds...), through this perspective it is possible to go from the tiniest thing done right to the largest effect - which is to have a legacy to pass on.
It's worth reading/listening to it to, maybe, refocus and fall in love again with our careers, our work - I guess sometime earlier there was such a thing, wasn't there? - and to reposition oneself as an evolving person, where eventual failures aren't a destination, but maybe the path to successes.
The lessons that I'm taking for me from this book have to do with the fist: Communication, Trust, Collective Responsibility, Caring, and Pride in making things happen - and that any finger open in the fist make it more prone to be broken (that's the intensity of semi-pro/professional sports).
Another useful insight is his view on determining what constitutes to be successful - that it should be something personal and never something dictated entirely by external factors. He'd rather see his players giving it all and eventually losing a game than winning a game but not really playing to their full potential - as the latter doesn't represent an evolution of the team - and the people in the team - and, therefore, even if it's a win, it's not success.
The final lesson, or insight, that I found really useful, appears towards the final chapters of his book, where he realizes that Basketball, either playing the game or coaching it, is not the ultimate final goal - it's just the tool, the way, he used to connect to other people and to, in a general sense, humanity. Even though there was always intense focus on the smallest details (the next game, the next quarter, the next play, the next 2 seconds...), through this perspective it is possible to go from the tiniest thing done right to the largest effect - which is to have a legacy to pass on.
It's worth reading/listening to it to, maybe, refocus and fall in love again with our careers, our work - I guess sometime earlier there was such a thing, wasn't there? - and to reposition oneself as an evolving person, where eventual failures aren't a destination, but maybe the path to successes.
June 26, 2024
Before I even begun reading, this book already had a special place in my heart. My parents and other family member having gone to Duke and being huge Duke bball fans, I knew I had to read this book, and I’m so glad I did! I love how everything in this book felt strategically planned out. Although it took me a while to finish this book, the lessons of advice I learned from reading this book will definitely stick with me. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or already one, I think everyone should read this book. Coach K has many words of wisdom, and his book will continue to have a special place in my heart! Five stars ⭐️
August 31, 2023
As an avid Duke fan and alumni I had always wanted to read this. Now I love coach K even more as he shares his philosophy on life and coaching and teaching….definitely strategies that not only apply to a basketball team but can be applied to self, family, work and more. I loved his examples of players and actual games which showed his teachings on communication,commitment,trust and collective responsibility.
As a fan it was nice to relive the games and players - grant hill, Christian laetner, Bobby Hurley, so many great players and people were taught by coach K
As a fan it was nice to relive the games and players - grant hill, Christian laetner, Bobby Hurley, so many great players and people were taught by coach K
May 4, 2024
although my boss asked me to read this, i enjoyed it. the coach is from a polish family in chicago, which is close to home for me. but i liked his approach to leadership & creating a team & family. he has a way to treating people with respect & like humans & after reading it it makes me relieved that my boss has this pov for our team. dedication, hard work, honesty, treating people like humans, etc. a good book, even if you’re not a basketball fan. sometimes he did get in the weeds describing games, which is fine. but still pretty good.
May 21, 2025
I’ve always been a Duke basketball fan. But reading this book showed me the true depth of Coach K as an individual. He cares about building teams and winning but more than that about developing truly balanced young men at Duke. His ideals are admirable, and the principles he discusses our timeless and applicable to anyone in any realm of life. This book hits a sweet spot between being an excellent personal narrative, nice recap of Duke basketball history, and “self-help” book that really allows you to appreciate all facets of what Coach K built at Duke and what he stands for as a person.
February 10, 2021
This book was good! It’s 20 years old, but Coach K has some really good insight on leadership and how to build a successful team. I read a book on John Wooden a month or two ago and Coach K is another coach who has built his life and program on good, unshaken values. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much my #1 man crush Quin Snyder was mentioned. It’s nice to realize how big of an impact Quin had on Duke and Mike Krzyzewski. Also props to my boy Drew for giving this to me.
December 17, 2023
I originally wanted to read this book because Sydney from The Bear reads it in season 2. I loved it so much, it makes me want to coach even more than I wanted to before. He’s inspiring and the stories were fun to read. I can see myself reading this again or at least referring back to its principles in the future.
March 13, 2024
This book is shockingly bad. That’s not because the content is not good, it’s fine, but the writing is about as simple, bland, and unappealing as I’ve ever read. Coach K doesn’t come across as human in any of his anecdotes, which is surprising given his vibrant personality and language often seen in huddles as the TV broadcast breaks to commercial. Instead the reader is treated to pallid dialogue related in the most contrived circumstances and events. There’s a very compelling story hidden in this book about how a self-described average kid from Chicago grew into the most respected collegiate coach ever. Sadly, Donald Phillips’s ghost hand killed that story in favor of some run-of-the-mill 90s corporate self-help bs. This book is like the Wolfgang Puck restaurants found in seemingly every major intl airport: a famous name co-opted to sell average substance. What hurts about both experiences, the restaurant and this book, is that if you have any knowledge of the field then you know what you’re being served is so much better literally anywhere else.
August 30, 2024
Nothing less than 5 stars for the GOAT. How fitting that it was this is the book that got me to my 2024 reading goal (4 months early!)
“Please, God, help me do my best, help me be myself, and help me lead with my heart.”
“Please, God, help me do my best, help me be myself, and help me lead with my heart.”
October 9, 2023
Everyone needs to read this book! One of the best leadership books for business and all industries.
October 28, 2023
2.5 stars. Interesting to see behind the scenes of his coaching career but nothing crazy
January 3, 2024
Excellent life advice for teachers, parents, coaches, managers, or anyone honestly!
February 1, 2024
There were so many times where I thought “OHMYGOD, I should absolutely be writing this down”, but I’m me and so I obviously did not. Additionally 5 stars to The Bear.
February 3, 2024
excellent. coach k is so baby girl.
February 14, 2024
this book took me 5ever to finish obviously.. but it was pretty good! it had some good pieces of wisdom that surprising relate to things other than basketball 🏀 I do think it was a bit too long, a bit too repetitive and a bit unorganized (it was hard to organize into useful information in my brain 🧠), regardless it was neat to see into Coach K’s life for a min bc i didn’t know anything about him before, he is a very respectable human for sure 👍🏼
September 23, 2024
One of the best books on leadership I’ve heard in a long time.
November 14, 2024
I wanted to read this book for two reasons. First the show The Bear kept talking about it and it got my attention. Second I recently started coaching youth basketball and thought it would be helpful to learn from the GOAT. Leading with the Heart has a lot of valuable lessons for leading teams and also handling personal relationships. I would have given 5 stars if it was slightly less repetitive. Overall a great read and would recommend.
March 31, 2025
Changed my life
May 19, 2024
Wow, after reading this, I feel like I could run a restaurant with a really intense chef whose brother recently died and left the restaurant to him. Together with a motley crew of chefs, despite facing insane odds, we learn how to work together in a kitchen and ultimately become a family.
February 23, 2024
I loved this book. It should be a must read fir any aspiring leader.
October 14, 2011
I read the non-fiction book Leading with the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski who is the head basketball coach at Duke University. I think that the purpose he had in writing this book was to inform the reader on how to develop good coaching skills as well as applying them to your everyday life, and allowing you to become a better individual along with becoming an even better teammate. In the book, Coach K talks about using your time wisely, and not wasting it doing things that are going to hurt you, and also the team. He also discusses the importance of trust and leadership in order for the team to succeed. Another thing that Coach K talked about in his books was academics. This stood out to me because he makes sure that his players are getting their work done, and also using their time wisely and not waiting till the last minute to get their work done. I think that this book is an exposition, and that this writing style fits the book well because throughout the book he is explaining and giving examples. I really liked this book because it deals with basketball and also Coach K is a role model to me, and hearing the things he has to say, and the way he approaches things really had me interested throughout the book. I don't read books very often, but this book had me interested the whole time, and kept me thinking about his way of coaching, and how effective it really is. Coach K's book Leading with the Heart is an excellent book, and I really recommend reading it!
January 21, 2024
Zu Beginn wirklich überragend.
Wertvolle Tipps und Lektionen an konkreten Beispielen erläutert.
Zum Ende hin leider einige Dopplungen.
Dazu ist es leider auch schon etwas älter und man kennt nicht mehr viele dieser College-Spieler die er erwähnt.
Wertvolle Tipps und Lektionen an konkreten Beispielen erläutert.
Zum Ende hin leider einige Dopplungen.
Dazu ist es leider auch schon etwas älter und man kennt nicht mehr viele dieser College-Spieler die er erwähnt.
February 28, 2014
Leading with the heart is a inspiring book made by the legendary Duke university basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski. In this book, Coach K talks about the types of players he wants to coach, and what type of leader he want to be. This book taught me a lot it. It taught me to never give up, to respect everyone, and that everything comes for the heart. One day I wanna go to Duke university and play for Coach K, hopefully that happens.
This book is good for people who like basketball and want to be inspired. This book makes me want to work harder to get to my goal. To keep on going no matter what happens, if I fall, I get back up. If I fail, I will try again. This book also taught me that school always comes first, education is key, you won't get anywhere in life without education. This is a once in a lifetime book that will never come again.
This book is good for people who like basketball and want to be inspired. This book makes me want to work harder to get to my goal. To keep on going no matter what happens, if I fall, I get back up. If I fail, I will try again. This book also taught me that school always comes first, education is key, you won't get anywhere in life without education. This is a once in a lifetime book that will never come again.
Read
February 10, 2017This was another book my grandma told me to read since I liked the Duke Blue Devils. I really enjoyed learning about Coach K's life. I really enjoyed how he talked about how he got his team ready for the four national championships he won. I enjoyed how he described what practice was like through his eyes. I liked the part where he said he dove on the floor after a ball to prove a point his players to hustle more. My favorite part of the whole book was when Jim Valvano a basketball coach at North Carolina State was dying of cancer and Coack K wrote in this book about how he spent everyday at the hospital with him and how they talked basketball and how they talked about life. I smiled and cried at this part because it just showed what a true and good friend would look like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews