NFL head coach Mike Smith lead one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NFL history. In the season prior to his arrival in 2008, the Atlanta Falcons had a 4 12 record and the franchise had never before achieved back–to–back winning seasons. Under Smith s leadership, the Falcons earned an 11 5 record in his first season and would go on to become perennial playoff and Super Bowl contenders earning Smith AP Coach of year in 2008 and voted Coach of Year by his peers in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

You Win in the Locker Room Firstdraws on the extraordinary experiences of Coach Mike Smith and Jon Gordon consultant to numerous college and professional teams to explore the seven powerful principles that any business, school, organization, or sports team can adopt to revitalize their organization.

Step by step, the authors outline a strategy for building a thriving organization and provide a practical framework that give leaders the tools they need to create a great culture, lead with the right mindset, create strong relationships, improve teamwork, execute at a higher level, and avoid the pitfalls that sabotage far too many leaders and organizations.

In addition to sharing what went right with the Falcons, Smith also transparently shares what went wrong his last two seasons and provides invaluable lessons leaders can take away from his victories, success, failures and mistakes.
Whether it s an executive leadership team of a Fortune 500 company, a sports team, an emergency room team, military team, or a school team successful leaders coach their team and develop, mentor, encourage, and guide them. This not only improves the team, it improves the leaders and their relationships, connections, and organization.
You Win in the Locker Room Firstoffers a rare behind–the–scenes look at one of the most pressure packed leadership jobs on the planet and what leaders can learn from these experiences in order to build their own winning team.

WINNING STRATEGIES FROM THE SPORTS ARENA THAT CAN BE APPLIED EVERYWHERE!

"This book is a must read for anyone who wants to build a great culture and winning team!"
Brian Billick,Super Bowl XXXV winning coach of the Baltimore Ravens

"As a practicing ′student of the game′ regardless of the sport or industry, I′m always looking to give me and my team an edge. This book nails the fundamentals and advanced coaching concepts of leadership for any team. Great cultures begin with trust, and trust begins by establishing relationships that are forged upon a great foundation of character, compassion, competence, and courage.You Win in the Locker Room Firstshould be required reading for parents, coaches, and leaders at all levels."
Carl Liebert,Chief Operating Officer, USAA

"Jon and Mike have written a must–have handbook on team unity. The most successful teams I have been a part of were the most connected. Before we even dive into our playbook or any X′s–&–O′s, we make every effort to make sure we are 100% connected and committed as a team first. Read this book and learn valuable strategies on how to build a rock solid locker room and team."
Erik Spoelstra,Head Coach, The Miami Heat

"I love that Mike and Jon talk about the importance of caring. A leader who cares builds a team that cares. Caring makes all the difference."
Clint Hurdle,Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates

"Long before you take the court, you start your path of winning through your locker room. Jon and Mike have captured the essence of winning by utilizing the 7 C′s to build your team. This is a must read if you are serious about building a championship team."
Doc Rivers,Head Coach, LA Clippers