Leadership Blog | Coach Pat Sullivan

When “I” Becomes “We”

A story that circulated in Chicago during the Bulls Jordan era was very insightful for leaders. Tex Winter, a Bulls assistant coach, reminded Michael Jordan that there is no “I” in “TEAM.” Jordan’s retort was that there is an “I” in “WIN!” The irony of that exchange is that they both are right. The best…

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September 12, 2013Pat's Leadership Blog, UncategorizedBy b2badmin

4 Things Great Leaders Have in Common with Great Teachers

Mark Twain once wrote, “I didn’t attend the funeral but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” It does not have to be that way for a leader at the end. I believe great leaders do the same four things that great teachers and coaches do: They know their subject matter, be…

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September 5, 2013 2 CommentsPat's Leadership Blog, UncategorizedBy b2badmin

Great Leaders Listen to New Ideas with Eyes, Ears

Listening is respect. When I take the time to listen to you—-really listen—-I am showing you that I respect your insights and that I respect you as a person. People want to be respected, and this is especially true for the people who report to you. They truly appreciate your willingness, as the leader, to…

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August 27, 2013Pat's Leadership Blog, UncategorizedBy b2badmin

Traits of Quality Leader Observed in School District Superintendent

I spoke yesterday to the teachers and administrators at the Channahon school district and watched an outstanding leader in action. Karin Evans is the district superintendent and I thought she exhibited four traits of a quality leader in her running the first meeting of the 2013-14 year. She sure demonstrated the characteristics of a great…

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August 21, 2013Pat's Leadership Blog, UncategorizedBy b2badmin

Why write a book?

With the vast volumes of leadership books already occupying the available spaces at local bookstores and airport news shops, is the world really ready for another? The question is a valid one. After giving this a great deal of thought, I decided to pursue this endeavor because I haven’t yet come across one that intrinsically ties…

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April 14, 2013UncategorizedBy b2badmin

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim Trendel
Head Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School
“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank Palmasani
Author – College Counselor
“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy Stelter
Director of Athletics Wheeler High School Valparaiso, IN
“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank Wyrostek
Professor of Finance University of St. Francis
“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more

Nick Macris
Architect, ComEd Retired
“Coach Sullivan is a gifted speaker whose message applies equally well to widespread audiences: athletes, coaches, business people, and educators. His presentation on “Attitude” is one of the best I have ever heard. He always gets rave reviews from those who hear him. He is riveting and inspiring.” read more

Tom Kennedy
Special Assistant to the Vice President Office of Advancement/Lewis University