“I’m known for being a coach who goes harder after winning. If it isn’t broken, break it. Because comfort is the death of teams.” – Emma Hayes
This quote is from the new coach of our Womens National Soccer team. Rachel used this same quote yesterday. It’s worth repeating.
Coach Hayes is changing the culture and her results have been epic. Emma Sears, former OSU womens soccer star, is now one of the few representing her country on this team. She was back at OSU this past week and I asked her to tell me more about Emma Hayes. Here’s the melody line of what she told me.
Coach Hayes isn’t much different than her coach at Racing (Louisville), she began. As she paused to collect her thoughts she landed on what makes Hayes unique.
She commands the room.
Simple, not easy. So, leader, remember this. You can be dead wrong and the team will forgive you. You cannot be unclear. Leaders who command the room are freakin’, crystal clear. Demonstrating command of the room is NOT the same as command and control. Emma Sears said Hayes lets them make mistakes. She wants and expects them to play free and within the system. This is not easy.
Comfort is the death of leaders. Get out of your comfort zone, leader. Your job is to be equal parts tough and tender. The magic elixir is knowing when to be which and not getting caught in the muddy middle. When your team needs a hug, give a BIG one. When they need correcting, don’t give them a shit sandwich. Give them clarity. Hard truth. Takes few words. This is how you command the room. Clear? Damn.
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 