Let Them Lead

Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America's Worst High School Hockey Team

By: John U. Bacon

Narrated by: John U. Bacon

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

An uplifting leadership book about a coach who helped transform the nation’s worst high school hockey team into one of the best. Bacon’s strategy is straightforward: set high expectations, make them accountable to each other, and inspire them all to lead their team.

When John U. Bacon played for the Ann Arbor Huron High School River Rats, he never scored a goal. Yet somehow, years later he found himself leading his alma mater’s downtrodden program. How bad? The team hadn’t won a game in over a year, making them the nation’s worst squad—a fact they celebrated. With almost everyone expecting more failure, Bacon made it special to play for Huron by making it hard, which inspired the players to excel. Then he defied conventional wisdom again by putting the players in charge of team discipline, goal-setting, and even decision-making—and it worked. In just three seasons the River Rats bypassed 95-percent of the nation’s teams.

A true story filled with unforgettable characters, stories, and lessons that apply to organizations everywhere, Let Them Lead includes the leader’s mistakes and the reactions of the players, who have since achieved great success as leaders themselves. Let Them Lead is a fast-paced, feel-good book that leaders of all kinds can embrace to motivate their teams to work harder, work together, and take responsibility for their own success.

©2021 John U. Bacon, LLC (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Loved this book!

Even if you're not a fan of hockey (I am and I loved hearing the story of the team) there is such amazing, usable team insight for everyone. I will absolutely be listening again and picking up a hardcopy.

A tale of hockey and leadership

Well done Coach. An enjoyable and educational read for anyone who aspires to coach or lead.

-Trenton player 02-05

Best Motivational Story Book

I like that this book applies to life and not hockey specifically.

It’s a book for anyone wanting change or going through personal adversity.

I gave this book a 5 Star all around rating to increase the chances of others listening to it.

Are there better books out there? Yes.

But you’ll have a hard time finding one that YOU deserve to listen to. #LetThemLead

Very relatable

Such a great story with so many great lessons. John really have great insight to such a huge undertaking.

MUST-READ FOR EVERY CULTURE-BUILDER!

"Let Them Lead" is an amazing story that outlines the process of what it takes to turn a program's culture around. John U. Bacon's experience with his hockey team is easily transferable to other sports or organizations. This book will elevate the leadership skills of everyone who reads it.

Emotional and Insightful!

Very heartfelt emotional story telling where you wouldn’t think so much emotion would apply. I have never been so engrossed in a story about a sport I’ve never watched, but I couldn’t wait to get back to listening to the trials and triumphs of these young (now grown) men. Excellent book!

Amazing Story, Practical Leadership Lessons

John U. Bacon puts on a masterclass on how to change a team's culture of failure to a culture of success. I laughed, I cried, and I learned priceless lessons about leadership. You don't need to be the coach of a sports team to implement these lessons either, they are practical for just about any group/team setting.

Do a favor for your group/team and yourself: READ THIS BOOK!

John U. Bacon's style draws you in as he shares his stint as a HS hockey coach. Don't like hockey? Doesn't matter. Whether you lead a Fortune 500 company or a little rural church, listen to this book! Just listen to it! You will not regret the time you traded for Bacon's insights contained within this book. Priceless to leaders, managers, and groups everywhere, regardless of the type of organization! Excellent!!!

Great Inspiring Story for Managers

This is a very inspiring story for any manager that is taking over an under performing team. This particular story will especially resonate with anyone with a competitive sports background. Coach Bacon's analogorical recall of his HS hockey teams are easily followed as he shows the practical application to the business world.

This book really hits home

I grew up playing hockey and all the lessons I learned like these guys I still use to this day. Thank you for writing such and incredible story to show what being a team not only in a sport but in life is all about.