Ted Lasso’s Lessons on Leadership
Halfway through Covid, my sister, Amy, suggested that I watch a show called “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+. She said it was “just what we need right now.” I wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but I tuned in anyway.
It only took a few episodes for me to understand, and to get hooked.
If you haven’t watched “Ted Lasso,” I highly recommend you do so.
Ted is an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination, and homemade biscuits.
Ted’s positivity, resolve, and support for his team left me finishing each episode with that rare feeling that I didn’t want the show to end.
He didn’t waste time worrying about the future, stressing about his team’s next opponent, or wallowing in what went wrong in the game they just finished.
He seemed to always be moving and thinking forward, demonstrating resilience, and holding a positive mindset despite the setbacks.
Ted Lasso’s Approach to Authentic Leadership: Be Yourself, Be Kind, Be Great
If you’re leading a team and want to boost your performance as a leader, here are what I think are some of the simplest but greatest lessons from Ted Lasso:
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Believe in people and their ability to become better, including you.
Mindset is everything.
It’s not about wins & losses; it’s about helping people be the very best version of themselves.
Sports is a metaphor for life, so be a good teammate, try hard, play all 60 minutes of the game, and remember that good sportsmanship is critical.
The record doesn’t matter. Believe that everything will work out in the end.
Football is a game of joy. So is ______ (fill in the blank with your work, hobby or activity).
Embrace change and be brave.
Let Ted be Ted.
It’s ok to feel “under pressure.”
You are enough – just as you are.
We have families we’re born with and families we make along the way, and both are valuable.
Don’t hit the panic button or the snooze button on life.
The ability to form new friendships is vital.
It’s ok to try something that others consider “outside the box.”
You don’t have to be an expert at everything to be a great leader.
Be yourself, be positive, be encouraging, be resilient, and be kind.
Taking on a new challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If it doesn’t feel uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it wrong.
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