Chapter 1, Building Self Confidence Summary and Analysis

Jack begins his story as a senior at Salem High School, north of Boston. His hockey team loses to their rivals for the seventh consecutive time. Jack angrily pitches his stick down the ice and goes into the locker room. Moments later, his mother appears in the locker room and scolds Jack, telling him that he has no business playing if he does not know how to lose as well as how to win. She teaches him the value of competition.

Jack's mother is his primary influence. She shows him how to lead through toughness, aggressiveness, generosity, and warmth. She instills management beliefs in Jack that include competing to win and facing reality. She teaches him diligence, and he learns that people are motivated through reward and discipline. There are no shortcuts and facts must...