The Lasso Way

Like millions of others, I’m a bit (okay a lot) obsessed with Ted Lasso. Obviously. Every show I smile and giggle and cheer - and then when it’s over, I want more. Beyond entertaining, I find Ted’s leadership style to be inspiring. So much so, that I’m sharing a few of my top takeaways from watching the show.

1. Check your ego at the door.
2. Enable and empower the people around you to have a platform, a voice, and to get the credit they deserve.
3. Relationships take time, energy, commitment, and a concerted effort. Homemade cookies can help.
4. Learn how to shine by turning up the light of those around you.
5. Make space and opportunity for reflection - don’t preach.  
6. Allow people to process lessons in their own way to help them resonate, sink in and create lasting change.
7. Optimism wins. Authenticity wins. Being a good human wins. 
8. Don’t lower yourself to the opinions or expectations of others. Stand tall, believe, and know that you can make a difference. Then do it.
9. It’s not about you - it’s about them.
10. Teamwork makes the dream work. “You’re so sure you’re one in a million that you forget, out there you’re one of 11.”
11. Have humility. Acknowledge, learn, and then move on. Quickly. "Goldfish are the happiest animals because they have a 10-second memory. Be like a goldfish."
12. Never judge a book by its cover.
13. Turn judgment into curiosity.
14. Everyone matters. From the assistant to the assistant’s assistant, all the way up to the top. Everyone deserves to be seen, recognized, appreciated, and heard. 
15. It’s not about successes and losses - it’s about helping each member of the team be the best version of themselves. 
16. CARE. Be kind. Work hard. Commit to and enjoy the journey - not just the outcome. The money, success, recognition, opportunities will only matter if you’re truly invested for the right reasons. 

These days are scary, long, and tough. As the past year has been. It would be easy and completely understandable to let the exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety take pride of place. Perhaps the reason why this unbridled joy, good nature, and optimism is hitting me so squarely in the heart. I need it.

One day, hopefully sooner than later, we'll come back together and I'll get the chance to actively put these lessons to good use in person. For now, I'll keep practicing from afar, virtually lifting others up, cheering them on, and looking forward to brighter days ahead.