Raise Your Game book cover

Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr. Summary

Raise Your Game
Alan Stein Jr.
4.1 (1001 Reviews)
Leadership
Productivity
Self-growth
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Raise Your Game

Kobe Bryant's performance coach reveals the invisible habits powering elite success. "Raise Your Game" distills Alan Stein Jr.'s proven strategies from NBA superstars to Fortune 500 teams. What's the surprising secret linking Stephen Curry and Starbucks? Discipline trumps talent every time.

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Key Takeaways from Raise Your Game

  1. Elite performers prioritize mastering fundamentals over flashy skills, like Kobe Bryant’s 4 AM footwork drills.
  2. Build “micro-expression trust” through relentless practice to anticipate teammates’ moves instinctively.
  3. Adopt Google’s “disagree and commit” strategy to resolve conflicts without derailing team progress.
  4. Transform failure into fuel using the Spurs’ post-loss resilience blueprint of collective reflection.
  5. Lead like a servant by aligning team purpose beyond functional tasks to deeper emotional buy-in.
  6. Kindergarteners outperform MBA students in collaboration by ditching hierarchy for ego-free problem-solving.
  7. Confidence is a trainable skill built through incremental wins and self-aware inner dialogue.
  8. Replace “good enough” habits with championship-level discipline in daily routines and mental focus.
  9. Amazon’s retail teams mirror Warriors’ synergy by balancing individual accountability with communal goals.
  10. Elevate team IQ through deliberate “new fundamentals” like body language literacy and active listening.
  11. Channel 2013 Spurs’ loss-to-growth trajectory by converting setbacks into systems for collective grit.
  12. Align decisions with core values rather than fluctuating emotions to build leadership consistency.

Overview of its author - Alan Stein Jr.

Alan Stein Jr., author of Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best, is a renowned performance coach and keynote speaker specializing in leadership, teamwork, and peak performance.

A veteran basketball trainer, Stein spent over 15 years working with NBA legends like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant, honing strategies for elite athletic achievement. He translates these insights into corporate contexts, helping organizations like American Express, Pepsi, and Starbucks build high-performance cultures through mindset development and evidence-based routines.

His follow-up book, Sustain Your Game, expands on maintaining long-term excellence in competitive environments. Stein’s methodologies are featured on a 12-foot inspirational mural at Penn State’s football training facility, where athletes engage with his principles daily.

A sought-after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and NCAA programs, he combines storytelling with practical frameworks to drive measurable behavioral change.

Common FAQs of Raise Your Game

What is Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr. about?

Raise Your Game explores high-performance strategies used by elite athletes and adapts them for personal and professional growth. The book focuses on three pillars: Player (self-mastery via discipline, resilience), Coach (leadership through empathy, communication), and Team (collaboration via trust, shared vision). Stein emphasizes mastering fundamentals, consistent habits, and proactive mindset shifts, illustrated by NBA legends like Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant.

Who should read Raise Your Game?

Athletes, coaches, business leaders, and anyone seeking peak performance will benefit. The book’s actionable frameworks apply to sports training, team management, and corporate leadership. It’s particularly valuable for those aiming to build resilience, improve communication, or foster a high-achievement culture.

Is Raise Your Game worth reading?

Yes—it blends sports psychology with practical business tools, offering timeless principles for success. Readers gain strategies like the "one more rep" mindset for pushing limits and methods to reframe failure as growth. Stein’s NBA anecdotes and structured self-audit exercises make it both engaging and actionable.

What are the core principles in Raise Your Game?
  • Self-awareness: Align actions with purpose through daily reflection.
  • Discipline: Prioritize consistency over talent via routines.
  • Resilience: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities.
  • Servant leadership: Empower teams through trust and clear communication.
How does Raise Your Game compare to Atomic Habits?

While both stress habit-building, Raise Your Game uniquely ties athletic rigor to organizational success. Stein emphasizes team dynamics and leadership over individual habit formation, using real-world sports examples rather than generalized case studies.

What leadership lessons does Raise Your Game teach?

Leaders should model accountability, actively listen to teams, and create "relentless practice" cultures. Stein advocates for "servant leadership"—removing ego to foster collaboration—and shares how coaches like Mike Krzyzewski build trust through vulnerability.

Can Raise Your Game help with career advancement?

Absolutely. The book’s focus on mastering fundamentals, proactive communication, and resilience directly applies to workplace challenges. For example, its "daily self-audit" exercise helps professionals align tasks with long-term goals.

What critiques exist about Raise Your Game?

Some may find its sports-heavy examples less relatable for non-athletes. However, Stein mitigates this by linking concepts to universal themes like goal-setting and adaptability.

How does Raise Your Game address teamwork?

It argues that elite teams prioritize trust over talent, using practices like candid feedback sessions and role clarity. Stein cites NBA champions who succeed through selflessness and shared accountability.

What is the "one more rep" mindset in Raise Your Game?

This philosophy encourages pushing beyond comfort zones in small increments—whether in training, work projects, or skill development. It’s exemplified by athletes who train after official practice hours.

Why is Raise Your Game relevant in 2025?

As remote work and AI reshape industries, Stein’s lessons on adaptability, human-centered leadership, and incremental growth remain critical. The book’s focus on fundamentals counters today’s "quick fix" culture.

How does Raise Your Game relate to Alan Stein Jr.’s other books?

While Sustain Your Game extends these principles to long-term success, Raise Your Game focuses on foundational habits. Both emphasize self-awareness and servant leadership but target different stages of growth.

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