In a recent Washington Post article titled “A Winning Mix: High Standards, High Support” (November 30, 2024), Emma Hayes, coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, provided a glimpse into the leadership philosophy that led her team to Olympic gold. Hayes’s approach is rooted in “positive discomfort.” It emphasizes growth through action, practice, mistakes, and feedback. At the same time, it fosters a culture of love, joy, and unity. This philosophy is a compelling example of how high standards combined with strong support can achieve extraordinary results. We think it reflects many of the principles we discussed in “Lead Like a Leader: Watch Out for the Sharks”.
A Winning Mix: High Standards, High Support
The Washington Post, November 30, 2024
A gold medal team offers an elite example of the rewards of ‘positive discomfort.’ This means improvement based on action, practice, mistakes, and feedback.
When Emma Hayes, the U.S. women’s national soccer team coach, kept the starters in the lineup over a grueling stretch. The team played successive ninety-minute Olympic soccer games in France, and murmurs rose. People said that the team was on its way to an exit. They feared the team would be ousted by exhaustion.
The team won the gold medal. They are the latest recipients of Hayes’s successful coaching methodology. This methodology embraces “positive discomfort,” as she put it in interviews. The idea is that full potential lies on the other side of being challenged. However, it’s different from “no pain, no gain.” The team also boasts epic fun, goofiness, humanity, and cohesion. When asked what propelled their trophy, Hayes, who is considered one of the world’s best coaches, replied, “Love.”
Connecting Hayes’s Philosophy to “Lead Like a Leader”
Emma Hayes’s leadership style reflects important lessons from “Lead Like a Leader: Watch Out for the Sharks.” Her approach offers leaders practical insights for their own teams. Leaders can analyze her success. They gain practical insights into applying these principles to their own teams and organizations. Here are a few standout connections:
- Vision and Clarity of Purpose
Hayes demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her vision. She pushed her team beyond their limits. She also maintained a sense of purpose and unity. In Lead Like a Leader, we emphasize the importance of crafting a clear vision that inspires and directs your team. Leaders must communicate the “why” behind their goals and ensure every team member feels aligned with that purpose.
Lesson from the book: Great leaders anticipate obstacles, communicate clearly, and create a roadmap that inspires trust and confidence. - Resilience Through Growth Mindset
Hayes’s philosophy of “positive discomfort” asserts that abilities develop through challenges. Similarly, Lead Like a Leader underscores the value of embracing adversity and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Skill to develop: Build a feedback-rich culture where team members feel empowered to learn from mistakes and continuously improve. - Balancing High Standards with Support
While Hayes demanded excellence, she also fostered a supportive environment filled with humanity and fun. Lead Like a Leader emphasizes balancing accountability with emotional intelligence. It shows genuine care for your team while holding them to high standards.
Actionable takeaway: Schedule regular check-ins with your team to address challenges, celebrate progress, and provide encouragement. - The Power of Relationships and Cohesion
Hayes credited “love” as a key factor in her team’s success. She emphasized the importance of emotional connections. In Lead Like a Leader, we highlight the role of strong relationships in fostering trust, collaboration, and loyalty. Leadership is as much about building relationships as it is about strategy.
Skill to master: Cultivate emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal dynamics and create an inclusive, cohesive team culture. - Fun and Celebration as Motivational Tools
Despite the grueling nature of the competition, Hayes’s team embraced moments of fun. They also indulged in goofiness, which kept morale high. Lead Like a Leader teaches leaders to infuse their teams with energy. It encourages them to celebrate victories—big and small. This helps to maintain motivation and momentum.
Practical application: Recognize and reward accomplishments to foster a positive, high-energy atmosphere.
Why This Matters to Leaders
Emma Hayes’s gold-medal-winning approach is a shining example of leadership that balances high expectations with humanity and joy. She inspires resilience in others. She also cultivates unity and maintains a clear vision. This mirrors the strategies outlined in Lead Like a Leader. For leaders who want to achieve extraordinary results, these lessons are invaluable.
By reading “Lead Like a Leader: Watch Out for the Sharks,” you’ll gain practical insights. You will also learn actionable strategies. These will help you build your own culture of growth, accountability, and support. The book offers tools from over 40 years of leadership experience. You can use these tools to elevate your leadership. They can also inspire your team.
Visit Lead Like a Leader for more resources, leadership insights, and community discussions.
Source: The Washington Post, “A Winning Mix: High Standards, High Support,” November 30, 2024.
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