From the beginning of the Edwards Era, Dave Hanna watched a leadership guru at work

Dave Hanna, author of "LaVell’s Leadership Playbook," had a front-row seat to the leadership of LaVell Edwards during his time at BYU in the late 1970s. As a senior, Hanna worked for Schultess in the sports information office, and was able to witness Edwards’ inaugural season as the Cougars’ head football coach. After returning to school, Hanna continued to observe Edwards’ leadership in the next two seasons.

One particular game in November 1974, where BYU defeated Arizona State 21-18, stands out in Hanna's memory. After the game, Edwards addressed the players, but was overcome with emotion and was unable to continue. The players responded with a "loudest ovation I have ever heard in my life," with lockers acting like kettle drums and the cheering seeming to lift the roof off the locker room.

This moment stood out for Hanna not just as a reaction to a big win, but as a reflection of the players' feelings towards their coach and his leadership. Hanna’s admiration for Edwards continued throughout his career, even as he moved around the world in his corporate life. In his new book, "LaVell’s Leadership Playbook," Hanna lays out eight leadership principles that he observed Edwards consistently employ, including competing using unique strengths, following the game plan, building new capabilities, solving problems at their source, handling competition, developing partnerships, adapting to changes, and never writing off an individual.

Hanna’s observations and reflections on Edwards’ leadership are now available for others to read and learn from in his book, which was released this month.