Books Stick Together: A Simple Lesson to Build a Stronger Team 1st Edition by Jon Gordon (Author), Kate Leavell (Author)

"Stick Together: A Simple Lesson to Build a Stronger Team" by Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell is an illustrated fable that uses the story of a high school basketball team to teach powerful lessons about teamwork and unity. The team, initially struggling after a tough season, embarks on a journey led by Coach David. Players are given sticks inscribed with words representing key team values, such as belief, ownership, connection, love, inclusion, consistency, and hope. Through collaborative exercises—finding teammates with matching words, discussing the importance of these values, and making their sticks unbreakable—they learn how to build stronger bonds.

The book delivers a crucial message: success comes through shared vision, mutual trust, perseverance, and collective support. While rooted in sports, its lessons apply broadly to business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit teams. It emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, open communication, and genuine connection among members.