The Uniform of Leadership Lessons on True Success from My ESPN Life

This is an awesome book on leadership, faith, and sports. I read it in a small group and it lead to some great discussions. It is an easy read and gives a lot of great stories and examples that connect to the message of each chapter. At the end of each chapter, there are questions for you to discuss in your group. I highly recommend this book whether you are reading it on your own or in a small group! Read more

Similar to the Sports Spectrum podcast, which Jason hosts, the intersection of faith and sports attracted me to this book. Jason’s lessons on leadership I found to be compelling and ultimately have pushed me and helped me to become a better leader. Each chapter provides reflection from Jason about his time at ESPN through a person he interacted with while there. I found his discussion of a former co-worker, Tami, to be unbelievably valuable and powerful. Tami worked as a cashier in the cafeteria. Her positivity, her heart of service, and her investment in others were three great things that she epitomized and Jason shared with his readers. Tami is a great reminder that leaders come in different roles. You can be a great leader and not be the president of a Fortune 500 company or the owner of a small business. I appreciated that Jason took lessons that he learned through people he met at ESPN and connected them with leadership values that he had learned through the Bible. I also appreciate that The Uniform of Leadership included sections at the end of each chapter to reflect, discuss, and apply the lessons learned. I found this book to be very engaging and enjoyable. I initially read the book very quickly as I connected with the book in a way you might have a compelling conversation with a friend. I’ve now picked up the book on later occasions to reflect on the lessons and as a resource for the application of the tools Jason discusses. Great work Jason! Read more

Jason Romano’s The Uniform of Leadership is his self-acknowledged love letter of his 17 years at ESPN. Jason integrates Faith, Sports, and Leadership in his writing which shares his many experiences and learnings during his time at ESPN. One of his points that resonated the most with me was this: “The Best Leaders Aren’t Destination Obsessed; They are Present Oriented.” I’ve seen this so many times in my career, as I followed a similar path to Jason. I learned that when we’re destination-focused on the next job, the next position; we miss out on what we already have. I love Jason’s transparency and vulnerability throughout his book; and you will find yourself saying “YES” to many of his points! Each chapter also has some pertinent reflection questions that will help the reader look at ways to improve their own leadership. For the sports fan, you’ll appreciate Jason’s stories of stars that he engaged with and maybe see a different side of them that you didn’t expect to see; I know I did. Great book to share with those that enjoy Sports and are looking to improve their leadership by being Others-Focused! Read more

In a culture that encourages and at times even rewards self-absorption in leadership, Jason Romano reminds us that there is a better and more effective way to lead. He writes, "Just like a sports uniform, where the individual's name and number are on the back, ranked third in importance behind the league and the team, the uniform of leadership is for God to come first, others to come second and us to come third." Jason fleshes out this premise in telling behind the scenes stories of his seventeen-year tenure at ESPN. As a sports fan, I loved the behind the curtain look at interactions with athletes like Emmitt Smith and Daryl Strawberry and coaches like Tony Dungy and Pete Carroll. But you don't have to be a mega-sports fan like me to enjoy the book and receive encouragement in your journey of work and relationships. Romano encourages all of us to "bloom where we are planted," looking for opportununities to serve others wherever we find ourselves, he writes, "don't forget, the people you are meant to love and serve - right here, right now - are of utmost importance." I was really encouraged and challenged by this book and I believe it will benefit anyone wanting to grow in their leadership and relational skills! Read more

For all who are seeking to be a successful leader, whether in the workplace, or at home, this book is for you. Jason's honesty, humility, courage and faith are inspiring. The life lessons Jason shares from his time at ESPN, layered upon his solid foundation of faith, shine a light on the character of an authentic leader and what true success is. I appreciate the questions asked at the end of each chapter so I was able to personally reflect on the lessons shared, and how I can best apply them in my own life. A great read that I will be sharing with others. Read more

Great book from one of my favorite example of Faith and Platform. Top notch nuggets and lessons both fans of Sports, Faith or both. Jon Gordon and Tony Dungy being a part of the pages really tells you all you need to know. Enjoy... Read more

Since I teach leadership at the college level, I'm always looking for material to use. So I was excited when my virtual friend Jason Romano announced that his second book was about leadership and would draw heavily on his time as a producer with ESPN. I became part of the launch team for his book and dove in when the advance copy arrived. Alas, this book is only intermittently about leadership (and I am a bit of a snob about these things). But the subtitle is a great description: "Lessons on True Success from My ESPN Life." Jason's stories are about making an impact on others' lives as an expression of faith. We need more of that. It's not about leadership, not much at least, but that's OK. It's well worth your time. Read more