When it comes to sports, the athletes usually get all the glory – which is okay, because they work really hard and sacrifice their bodies for success. But behind all of that work on the field, there’s a lot of work done on the sidelines. And even further back than the sidelines, there’s more work being done behind closed doors.
Those who venture into sports management are those who know they have a passion for sports, but are more interested in the business and day-to-day operations. What they may not know upfront, but what they will realize quickly, is that there can be an equal amount of blood, sweat, and tears required for the job.
There are hundreds of universities that offer sports management degrees and there are a lot of great jobs out there that are not only interesting, but make a great impact in the sports community. If you are currently thinking about sports management, or are in the midst of looking for work and want some additional knowledge or inspiration, here are 3 books that you should consider reading.
The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players
Written in 1993, this book really outlines everything that a businessman in sports can go through. Author Pat Riley gives tips on how to handle the ups and downs of team personnel changes and how to balance the relationships between team superstars and role players. The book also discusses how to create positive environments within your team, and how important it is to nurture cooperation with competition.
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
This book takes a bit of a different approach than the first. Author Michael Lewis released this now-famous bestselling biography to high praise from critics and fans. In the biography, he discusses his approach to nurturing baseball talent that other teams passed on and how he helped them to realize their full potential. If you’re looking for a ton of inspiration in one book, this is one for you.
Call an Audible: Let My Pivot From Harvard Law to NFL Coach Inspire Your Transition
Another dose of inspiration comes from one of the top rated sports books according to Sports Illustrated. It’s an easy read but packs a heavy punch. It revolves around the author, Daron Roberts, and why he decided to leave Harvard to pursue an NFL coaching career. And more important than why, he talks about how, in what Sports Illustrated aptly calls an, “inspiring, beat-the-odds journey.”
Do you have any sports management related material that you always keep in your back pocket for a quick read every now and then? Share them with me by tweeting to me or commenting below. Be sure to visit my blog on DrakeBolon.com for more inspiration like this.
