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Intangibles

Unlocking the Science and Soul of Team Chemistry

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Intangibles

Written by: Joan Ryan
Narrated by: Joan Ryan
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Buy Now for $29.13

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About this listen

From baseball to biology, an award-winning journalist highlights the power of team chemistry in this "terrific" data-driven investigation of human relationships (Billie Jean King).

Does team chemistry actually exist? Is there scientific or mathematical proof? Is team chemistry as real and relevant as on-base percentages and wins above replacement?

In Joan Ryan's groundbreaking audiobook, we discover that the answer to all of the above is a resounding "Yes". As Ryan puts it, team chemistry, or the combination of biological and social forces that boosts selfless effort among more players over more days of a season, is what drives sports teams toward a common goal, encouraging the players to be the best versions of themselves. These are the elements of teams that make them "click", the ones that foster trust and respect, and push players to exceed their own potential when they work well together.

Team chemistry alone won't win a World Series, but talent alone won't win it, either. And by interviewing more than 100 players, coaches, managers, and statisticians, as well as more than five years of extensive research in neuroscience, biology, physiology, and psychology, Ryan proves that the social and emotional state of a team does affect performance. Grit, passion, selflessness, and effort matter - but never underestimate the power of chemistry.

©2020 Joan Ryan (P)2020 Hachette Audio
Baseball & Softball Sociology of Sports Sports Psychology Workplace & Organizational Behaviour Sports

What the critics say

"Team chemistry is real and it impacts performance. Now we know the why and the how. With terrific storytelling and deep research into the science of human relationships, Joan Ryan has delivered the seminal work on the capacity of teams - in sports, business or otherwise - to summon the best from one another.'' (Billie Jean King, founder of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative)

"Joan Ryan writes the way we all wish we could: clearly, simply and powerfully, with nothing wasted. Intangibles is a sports book but it's really a mystery. In a time when players are reduced to assets and data, Joan returns the people to the room. How they interact - or don't - is so much of why we watch. This really is a terrific book." (Howard Bryant, author of The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron)

"Team chemistry is no longer valued in baseball today, which is a big mistake. It is crucial for every team; it is critical to winning. Joan Ryan explains what team chemistry actually is and how it affects performance in this fascinating and important book. The voices in here are powerful. This should be required reading for every general manager of every major league team.'' (Tim Kurkjian, senior baseball writer/analyst, ESPN)

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