The Lasso Way

Long Weekends are usually reserved for travel, but this long weekend turned out to be an out-and-out binge of the Apple TV series - Ted Lasso.

*Spoiler Alert ?? - While towards the end of the series, Ted points out that being at the football club was never about him and that the book should be called The Richmond Way instead, I chose the title anyway because it is a stark reminder of what it truly takes to build winning teams.

As I reflect on the charming and endearing character of Ted Lasso from the eponymous series, I find myself inspired to share some thoughts on leadership and team building. In this article, I want to delve into the key aspects of leadership and how, as a coach and mentor, one can carefully build and skill their teams to deliver the results an organization seeks.

1. Lead with Empathy and Positivity: Ted Lasso's unwavering positivity and empathy are his superpowers. In leadership, it's vital to create a positive and nurturing environment where team members feel valued and supported. Being empathetic and understanding the unique challenges your team faces fosters trust and loyalty.
2. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Ted's willingness to accept and respect different backgrounds and perspectives is a testament to his leadership. In today's diverse workplaces, embracing diversity and inclusion isn't just a buzzword but a necessity. A leader should encourage diverse thought and ensure that every team member feels included and heard.
3. Foster Growth and Development: Ted Lasso is constantly encouraging his players to improve their skills. Similarly, leaders should invest in their team's growth and development. Provide opportunities for training and mentorship, and challenge team members to reach their full potential.
4. Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Effective leaders communicate their vision clearly. Ted Lasso sets clear goals for his team and ensures they understand what's expected of them. This clarity eliminates confusion and empowers team members to focus on their tasks.
5. Build Trust and Collaboration: Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team. Foster trust by being honest, reliable, and transparent. Encourage collaboration among team members and create an atmosphere where they can openly share their ideas and concerns.
6. Adaptability and Resilience: Ted Lasso shows remarkable adaptability in the face of adversity. Leaders should be flexible and resilient, especially in a rapidly changing world. Embrace change, learn from setbacks, and inspire your team to bounce back stronger.
7. Celebrate Wins and Learn from Losses: Ted Lasso celebrates even the smallest victories, and he also knows how to learn from defeats. Leaders should recognize and appreciate their team's achievements, no matter how minor. Additionally, failures should be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement.
8. Lead by Example: The best leaders lead by example. Be the role model you want your team to follow. Ted Lasso's work ethic and dedication inspire his players. Your actions should reflect the values and work ethic you expect from your team.
9. Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is vital. Ted Lasso communicates with sincerity and humour, making it easier for his team to connect with him. Effective leaders should be excellent communicators who listen actively and provide constructive feedback.
10. Cultivate a Winning Culture: Ted Lasso's unwavering belief in his team's potential creates a winning culture. Leaders should instil a sense of purpose and enthusiasm in their teams, inspiring them to aim for excellence.
11. Be A Goldfish: The best lesson, I reserved for the last. As human beings, we tend to dwell, on success and on failure. Lasso's way of encouraging the team through hardship both personal and professional was to remind them of nature's happiest animal, The Goldfish, mostly because they never remember anything. He encouraged the team to let go and be a goldfish to focus on the positives and simply move on.

The Ted Lasso approach to leadership is a heartwarming reminder that great leaders can transform organizations by creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. By leading with empathy, setting clear goals, nurturing growth, and embracing diversity, we can carefully build and skill our teams to deliver the exceptional results our organizations seek. Let's strive to be the kind of leaders who empower our teams to achieve their full potential and beyond.

Stay kind and practice empathy

Sid