The Ball
Regaining Your Focus on What Matters Most in Work and Life
2nd Edition
Published on 31. May 2026
100 pages
978-1-040-85010-7 (ISBN)
Description
Looking for a powerful, unique way to engage your staff or team? This parable from best-selling author Todd Whitaker offers a refreshingly different form of professional development.
It is a beautifully designed short story about a veteran teacher who reconnects with a former student who manages the local grocery store which has fallen on hard times. They reunite and confront the separate and unique challenges that have knocked them off course. Through each other, they find their way back on track with a message that will resonate with everyone.
Use the book to kick off meetings with your school or organization, or as a thank-you gift to your fellow leaders. The tale will help your staff reengage with their priorities and consider what they value most, while feeling inspired along the way. The new edition is accompanied by a robust study guide that will help you and your teams get the most out of the book.
It is a beautifully designed short story about a veteran teacher who reconnects with a former student who manages the local grocery store which has fallen on hard times. They reunite and confront the separate and unique challenges that have knocked them off course. Through each other, they find their way back on track with a message that will resonate with everyone.
Use the book to kick off meetings with your school or organization, or as a thank-you gift to your fellow leaders. The tale will help your staff reengage with their priorities and consider what they value most, while feeling inspired along the way. The new edition is accompanied by a robust study guide that will help you and your teams get the most out of the book.
Reviews / Votes
"This refreshing story is a reminder that goals, passion, and the simple truths of your pursuit are the most meaningful building blocks of a successful organization, and should be its enduring architecture."John Brenkus, Co-Founder and CEO of BASE Productions, Host of Emmy Award-Winning Sport Science, Author of The Perfect Point
"As the speed of change, technology, competition, and demands increase, The Ball reminds us to keep sight of what's truly important."
Jeffrey Weber, Founder, Technology Resource Center, Inc., Author of I.D.E.A. to Exit: An Entrepreneurial Journey
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
42 Halftones, color; 42 Illustrations, color
File size
56,70 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-85010-7 (9781040850107)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 05/2026
2nd Edition
Routledge
€25.00
Not yet published
Person
Todd Whitaker (@toddwhitaker) is a leading presenter in the field of education, and has written 70 books, including the bestseller What Great Teachers Do Differently. He is a former teacher, coach, and principal, and is currently a research professor.
Content
1. The Ball 2. Reader's Guide 3. Team Reflection
