New Era, New Leader!
How Emma Hayes has turned the USWNT around in short period of time.
The Beautiful Game and Leadership: Lessons from Emma Hayes
I started writing this newsletter after the USWNT's first Olympic win this year. Like most Americans, I have followed the team's meteoric rise since the famous 1999ers.
However, over the last two years, the team has fallen from its high levels and world dominance. They were no longer feared. They were disorganized and Iacked ideas and confidence.
More importantly, The world caught up to them.
But after watching that first match, I felt the team was about to go in another direction. I loved the thrill of watching a well-executed plan, the strategic maneuvers on the pitch, and seeing the team having fun again.
I was highly optimistic when Emma Hayes took over the U.S. Women’s National Team only two months ago. She just came off coaching the Chelsea Women Football team to 16 trophies. “She was born to win.”
Could she really transform this team? After watching her in action during the first Olympic match, I was a believer.
Forgive me while I geek-out a bit about soccer. I promise the leadership lessons are coming.
From the outset, Hayes faced a massive task. The team had been playing a predictable and ineffective style, relying too much on kick-and-run tactics. But in just a few months, Hayes has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
The team now exhibits a possession-based style, tirelessly seeking opportunities. This transformation has been a joy to watch over the last two weeks.
Similar to a retail leader I speak with weekly, who often step into a new market with a team stuck in old, ineffective ways. At first, it can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, change is possible.
Like Hayes, who turned a predictable, kick-and-run style into a dynamic, possession-based game, you can shift your team's mindset. By focusing on strategy, patience, and a relentless pursuit of better opportunities, you can transform your approach and lead your market with renewed energy and vision.
It's a challenge, but the results are worth it.
Ok, the geek-out session is over.
Here are some leadership lessons I need every leader to take from Emma Hayes.
Cutting Ties with the Past
One of Hayes' boldest moves was cutting Alex Morgan from the team. Morgan, a legendary forward, was undeniably at the twilight of her career. While many expected Hayes to keep Morgan for her veteran presence, Hayes took a different path. “You never like to deliver bad news, but sometimes you have to…” Hayes said.
Morgan’s recent performances had been lackluster, and Hayes recognized the need to focus on the future. By making this tough decision, Hayes sent a powerful message to the team: “You are the future; let’s make it happen.”
Consistency and Clarity
Another hallmark of Hayes' leadership is her consistency. She says what she’s going to do and then does it. Hayes sticks to her plan, unlike many coaches who scramble to change players when things go awry.
She insisted on giving her front line more minutes together, believing in the power of cohesion. “The two recent finalists of the World Cup didn’t switch out their players. We won’t either,” she stated.
Even when Japan’s defensive strategy frustrated the team, Hayes remained steadfast, and it paid off. This consistency builds trust and allows the team to gel and perform better under pressure.
Tailored Coaching
Hayes' ability to provide personalized coaching is another key to her success. She advised Trinity Rodman, the fastest player on the field, to cut back to her left foot and shoot. Despite initial failures, Rodman’s perseverance paid off.
Deep into the first overtime against Japan, Rodman cut back to her left foot and scored a stunning goal. This moment of brilliance highlighted Hayes’ knack for identifying and nurturing individual talents, pushing players to reach their full potential.
Takeaways for Retail Leaders
Emma Hayes' leadership offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field, including retail. Here are three key takeaways:
Make Bold Decisions:
Just as Hayes made the tough call to cut an adored star, retail leaders must be willing to make bold decisions. Letting go of outdated practices or underperforming elements can pave the way for innovation and growth.
Consistency Builds Trust:
Hayes' unwavering commitment to her plan fostered a sense of stability and trust within the team. Retail leaders can learn from this by maintaining clear, consistent strategies that their teams can rely on, even in challenging times.
Personalized Coaching:
Hayes' tailored approach to coaching individual players highlights the importance of understanding and nurturing unique talents. Retail leaders should focus on personalized development plans to help their teams thrive and reach their full potential.
Emma Hayes has not only transformed the U.S. Women’s National Team but also demonstrated the power of visionary leadership. Her ability to make tough decisions, remain consistent, and provide personalized coaching are lessons that can benefit leaders across all industries.
The result was that the USWNT won the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal. Just three months ago, people were writing the team off. It was an impossible feat, but with the right leadership, focus, and knowing how to get the best out of the team you have - anything is possible.
As we continue to watch her journey, it’s clear that Hayes is crafting a legacy of excellence from which leaders everywhere can draw inspiration.
Bring it on!
Are you facing challenges leading friends and former colleagues? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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Go Crush It Where You Are!
Great article! I’ve often wondered why the old guard has been maintained while brands insist they want to move forward. In most cases the old guard are just that- guards. Holding on to old ways of thinking and doing afraid of new. The best leaders understand the difference between best practices and “how we always did it” and embrace informed curiosity. Thanks Steve!
Cutting ties with the past can be tough for outside critics to swallow. Hayes has done a great job digging into her strategy, driving team chemistry and pride, and creating a culture of accountability.
Great article