I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to Ted Lasso and his leadership

It’s one of my favourite comedy series that follows an American football coach hired to manage a struggling English soccer team. For me, it sounds like a recipe for real disaster, but it turns out to be a heartwarming and hilarious journey of transformation.

But Ted Lasso is for me more than just a TV show. It’s also a masterclass in leadership. Yes, a masterclass. As I watched Ted win over his skeptical players, staff, and fans with his optimism, kindness, and humor, I realized that he was teaching me valuable lessons that everyone could apply to their work as a leader.

Here are some of the key lessons you can learn from Ted's leadership style:

Be curious, not judgmental: Ted doesn’t know much about soccer or British culture, but he doesn’t let that stop him from learning and exploring. He asks questions and listens to understand, not to criticize. He respects and appreciates the differences of others, even if they are unfamiliar or challenging to him. In the workplace, this attitude can help you broaden your horizons and gain new insights. It can also help you build trust and rapport with your team members and stakeholders by showing genuine interest and empathy.

Show kindness and gratitude: Ted treats everyone with kindness and compassion, even those who are rude or hostile to him. He demonstrates empathy and understanding rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame. He also expresses gratitude and appreciation for the people around him, often saying “I appreciate you” or giving them thoughtful gifts. In the workplace, this behavior can help you create a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It can also help you foster loyalty and engagement among your team members by recognizing their contributions and achievements.

Trust and empower your team: Ted knows he can’t do everything himself, so he delegates tasks and empowers his team to make decisions and take action. He trusts them to deliver results and supports them along the way. He encourages them to take risks and learn from their mistakes, rather than micromanaging or punishing them. In the workplace, this approach can help you build an effective and autonomous team that can work independently and creatively. It can also help you develop your team members’ skills and confidence by giving them opportunities to grow and excel.

Lead by example and have fun: Ted isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and show his team how it’s done. He often sets a positive tone in the locker room or on the field, never shying away from hard work or challenges. He also injects fun and humor into his work, making jokes and playing games with his team. He enjoys leading and coaching his team, not just the outcome. In the workplace, this behavior can help you inspire and motivate your team by demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm. It can also help you reduce stress and increase morale by creating a fun and an enjoyable work culture.

Be optimistic and hopeful: Ted always sees the bright side of things and believes in the best possible outcome. He doesn’t let negativity or pessimism cloud his vision or affect his mood. He also inspires others with his positive attitude and energy. He believes in himself, his team, and his mission, even when others doubt him or try to bring him down. In the workplace, this mindset can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals by focusing on solutions rather than problems. It can also help you boost your team’s performance and satisfaction by creating a sense of optimism and hope.

These are just some of the lessons from Ted. I encourage you to watch the show yourself and see what else you can learn from Ted. And remember: be curious, not judgmental and show kindness.