Powerhouse

About the Author

Kristine Lilly is an acclaimed former professional soccer player, celebrated for her record-setting career with the United States Women's National Soccer Team. With over two decades of experience in international soccer, Lilly's insights into teamwork, leadership, and perseverance are both profound and practical. Her career highlights include winning multiple World Cup championships and Olympic gold medals, underscoring her deep understanding of high-performance teamwork. Alongside her, Dr. John Gillis, Jr. brings a rich background in leadership development and organizational behavior. His work with major corporations and his academic research provide a robust foundation for the strategies presented in this book.

Main Idea

"Powerhouse: 13 Teamwork Tactics that Build Excellence and Unrivaled Success" combines the practical experiences of Kristine Lilly in sports with the academic and professional insights of Dr. John Gillis, Jr. The book is a comprehensive guide to creating and sustaining highly effective teams, using the framework of four key pillars: Transform, Empower, Achieve, and Motivate. These pillars are essential not only for achieving success but also for maintaining a positive and ethical team culture. The authors emphasize that true teamwork transcends individual contributions, creating a synergistic effect that drives collective excellence.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Transform
• Empower
• Achieve
• Motivate
• Doing What is Right
• Conclusion

Transform

The first pillar, Transform, focuses on the initial steps of building a powerhouse team. This involves selecting the right talent, establishing a clear purpose, and aligning the team's goals and strategies. The transformation process is crucial because it sets the foundation for all subsequent team activities and interactions.

Selecting Exceptional Team Members

Choosing the right team members is not just about finding individuals with the necessary skills, but also about ensuring a good cultural fit. Lilly recounts a formative experience early in her career, where a senior teammate provided unexpected support during a challenging fitness test. This act of encouragement was not just about finishing the test but about building a culture of mutual support and trust:

"Tracey Bates Leone, a 'gray' senior on the team, decided to help by running backward next to Kristine and encouraging her, even though this meant Tracey would have a slower finish time on the fitness test." - Kristine Lilly

This anecdote highlights the importance of selecting team members who are not only skilled but also committed to the collective well-being of the team.

Aligning the Team Direction

Aligning the team around a clear and compelling purpose is essential for driving performance and cohesion. Lilly shares how the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's mission evolved beyond just winning games to becoming ambassadors for the sport and role models for future generations:

"Every time you step on the field you're selling the game, changing minds, and changing the culture of what is possible for women and everyone." - Coach Dorrance

This higher purpose not only motivated the players but also united them in a common goal that transcended individual achievements.

Scoring a Goal