Against the Grain: A Coach’s Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family and Love (2014 Weinstein Books) by Bill Courtney with Michael Arkush. Foreword by Phil Jackson
Life-changing ideas are like angels appearing when you need them the most. You never really know when they’ll show up or how they’ll appear. They just do.
Take the how I came across Coach Bill Courtney’s excellent new book Against the Grain: We rent the Academy Award-winning documentary Undefeated for the boys to watch on a trip from Atlanta. It begins a discussion about service and leadership in the van. I tweet about the movie and how much it moved me. Coach Courtney, who is featured in the documentary, tweets back that I should read his book. I mention that the platform he has received is due to the power of his message. Next thing I know I’m on the phone with him. We agreed there is a leadership crisis in this country on a national and personal level. We agreed on a long list of things.
I feel like I’ve known him my whole life.
Against the Grain: A Coach’s Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family and Love (2014 Weinstein Books) by Bill Courtney with Michael Arkush is a discussion our country needs to be having right now. Among the values Coach Courtney talks about are character (the one thing no one can take from you — but you can lose it yourself), commitment, stepping outside of your comfort zone, service, leadership, civility, dreams, perseverance, the dignity of a hard work, grace and legacy. Each is taught with examples from his years coaching and as the owner of a successful lumber company. All are told with expert storytelling. The book features many people Mississippians know. Chucky Mullins and Brad Gaines’ unlikely friendship after a life-shattering accident. Retired Ole Miss Dean of Students Sparky Reardon’s steady leadership and wisdom during a terrible crisis. Fred Smith’s persistence building Fed Ex. At times the book isn’t politically correct. But it’s always honest and heartfelt. Particularly moving are the stories from his years of coaching and the relationships he built with his players.
““The true measure of a person’s character is how one handles one’s failures, not successes.”
“A true legacy is established over a lifetime and relates to what a human being does for others, not for himself.”
“We should feel grateful instead of entitled. We have a moral obligation to give back.”
“Nothing profound ever happens in your life when you remain in your comfort zone.”
Coach Courtney’s ideas spoke to me, especially his thoughts on character. As did his commitment to his wife and four kids. He believes to lead, you have to serve first — even at home and at work. And he practices what he preaches. If you’ve seen Undefeated, you know that Courtney doesn’t coach football. He coaches young men.
After reading Against the Grain, you will feel like he’s your coach, too.
P.S. And don’t be a Turkey Person. You’ll love the story behind that one.