In Tiger Style: Eight Steps to Create a Winning Culture, legendary wrestling coach Brian Smith reveals the secrets behind his remarkable success leading the University of Missouri's wrestling program to unprecedented heights. Over 27 years, he amassed over 300 wins, nurtured ten NCAA champions, and shaped athletes who conquered the UFC and Olympics. This book unveils "Tiger Style," the philosophy driving his victories, a potent blend of self-belief, unwavering commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Smith shares practical, actionable steps applicable far beyond the wrestling mat, offering a blueprint for building a winning culture in any field – from business and education to personal life. Discover how to cultivate unwavering belief, embrace challenges, and consistently achieve greatness through the powerful principles of Tiger Style.

Review Tiger Style
Tiger Style: Eight Steps to Create a Winning Culture isn't just another sports memoir; it's a surprisingly insightful guide to building a thriving, high-achieving culture applicable far beyond the wrestling mat. I went in expecting a fascinating look into the history of Mizzou wrestling under Coach Brian Smith, and I definitely got that – the stories of his athletes' triumphs and struggles are captivating, genuinely inspiring, and offer a compelling glimpse into the heart of Tiger Style. Hearing about the program's incredible success, the ten NCAA Championships, and the athletes' journeys to the Olympics and UFC, was truly remarkable. But the book surprised me by going far beyond just recounting wins and losses.
What truly resonated was the practical application of Coach Smith's philosophy. As a local business leader in Columbia, I was immediately struck by how easily the principles of Tiger Style translate to the corporate world. The emphasis on defining your identity, fostering a belief in your team's ability, cultivating a positive mindset, and maintaining a relentless pursuit of excellence are not just winning strategies for athletes; they're essential components of building a successful organization. The book offers concrete, actionable strategies for recruitment, team building, and creating a culture that values continuous improvement. The chapters aren't just theoretical; they are filled with real-world examples and anecdotes from Coach Smith's years of experience, making the concepts relatable and easily digestible.
I found myself constantly highlighting passages and jotting down notes, thinking about colleagues, friends, and even my own personal goals. The stories themselves – the triumphs, the setbacks, the moments of profound growth – create a strong sense of connection. You feel like you're part of the Tiger Style family, experiencing the highs and lows alongside the athletes and the coach. This isn't just about reading about winning; it's about understanding the mindset and the dedication that makes winning possible. The book's strength lies in its ability to distill complex ideas into simple, memorable principles. Coach Smith's clear and engaging writing style ensures that these lessons are accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or experience.
I'm nearly finished with the book, and I’m already recommending it to everyone I know. My list of people who need to read this – from fellow business leaders to friends striving for personal improvement – keeps growing. It's that kind of book: impactful, inspiring, and genuinely useful. It's not just about improving a wrestling team; it's about unleashing the potential for greatness in individuals and teams of all kinds. If you're looking for a book that offers practical advice, compelling storytelling, and a powerful message of perseverance, look no further than Tiger Style. It's a winner.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.38 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 150
- Publication date: 2024
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