A Completely Different Game: My Leadership Playbook

In this strong debut, Hayes, who recently became head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team after managing the Chelsea FC women’s team for more than a decade, outlines her leadership philosophy while sharing glimpses into the world of elite soccer. Recounting how she shepherded Chelsea through the uncertainty that followed the U.K. Foreign Office’s 2022 ouster of the club’s Russian oligarch owner over his ties to the war in Ukraine, Hayes contends that in periods of crisis, leaders should take time to understand the complexities of the situation and regularly communicate updates to team members. The guidance emphasizes balancing a “caring nature with a cold, professional ruthlessness.” As an example of the former, she discusses the importance of attending to players’ emotional needs, recalling how she had to cajole her starting 11 to show more appreciation for the other players. As for “ruthlessness,” Hayes suggests that leaders sometimes need to put feelings aside and make hard decisions, such as cutting an underperforming athlete from the team. Hayes brings a welcome humility to the proceedings (“Do I screw up? On a daily basis”), and her candor bolsters confidence in her wisdom. The result is a rewarding guide for managing teams of all kinds. Agent: Sarah Passick, Park & Fine. (July)