The Power of Ted Lasso (Business Lessons - Part II) With A Twist!

A few years ago Secret Geek wrote a blog about the leadership lessons we could all take from Ted Lasso - you can read that here (warning it's a fairly hefty read): GEEKY LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM TED LASSO

With series 3 having landed and been consumed by most Geeks we are just going to add some quick updates because we think:

plenty of the other characters besides Ted, have something to teach us.

Rebecca Walton (Hannah Waddingham) - During the course of three seasons Rebecca's arc has probably gone through the most change. Initially, she was fuelled by gaining revenge on her philandering husband, but now, as she very reluctantly accepts the term, she has become the "matriarch" owner of a Premier League football club. Personable, approachable and grounded she is an easy leader to root for and follow. Equally, as she has 'found herself' over the course of 3 seasons she has become more content, accepting and happier in herself. And perhaps those two things go together? Our own self-improvement rubs off on everybody and is far wider reaching than we think.

Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) - Keeley is underestimated in almost every situation she finds herself in. But rather than being resentful of that, she uses it as a potent superpower. She's not afraid to trust (and be let down by) people, she's not afraid to show her emotions. Many people take that as a weakness but her EQ is off the charts. She sees the good in everyone, meaning amongst many things, that she doesn't surround herself with clones in her business and personal life. Unsurprisingly her personality and resilience mean she has been successful in her business endeavours despite serious setbacks.

Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) - Sam is another character that is often grossly underestimated but he has a clear characteristic that doesn't show itself too often in many of us. Sam carries with him a natural dignity that he wears lightly meaning that people warm to him despite him being softly spoken and not always the first to be heard or proffer an opinion. He isn't afraid to stand up for himself or for others that don't have a voice, even when it comes at a cost, for example when his restaurant is vandalised following his stance on immigration. And so when the time comes, people rally around him easily. He's easy to root for and we can all learn from that.

Higgins (Jeremy Swift) - Higgins shows the power of loyalty, of keeping counsel and being quietly, often surprisingly, efficient, despite his chronic and crippling anxiety and lack of self-belief. People like Higgins are often eaten up and spat out, particularly in hyper-competitive environments (we've seen it in toxic sales cultures). Ted Lasso shows the value such people can bring to an organisation if they are respected, nurtured and cared for.

If there's a leitmotif in the show it's the power of the underdog!

And despite being a middle-aged white man Higgins is definitely that.

Trent Crimm (James Lance) - Trent Crimm's character shows the power of listening and how it builds trust and rapport and ultimately leads to greater understanding. Trent starts his journey in Ted Lasso as a rather knowing, sly journalist fuelled by hubris, certain that Ted will be an unmitigated disaster. But as the seasons pass by he truly begins to listen to what Ted says and take in the impact that is having on the world of AFC Richmond. By season 3 he is writing a book about the club, shadowing Ted and the rest and you can see the last vestiges of falling away.

There are many more characters we could pick to highlight that would make this article endless. Think of the character arcs of Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) & Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein). There are the lessons of the power of understanding and forgiveness following Nathan Shelley's (Nick Mohammed) prodigal son return. Rupert Mannions (Anthony Head) descent into caricature and obsession fuelled by hatred of people that are just 'nice' (It's a real thing - there's great power in being nice to your enemies!) Zava (Maximilian Osinski) highlights the pros and cons of having mercurial loners in a business and how to deal with them, or not!

We're starting to go on - just watch season 3 of Ted Lasso and make your mind up!

Business Lessons We Can Take from Characters in "Ted Lasso"

The AI Version

This part of the article was written by Chat GPT with the prompt:

Hey, can you write me up to 1000 words about the business lessons we can take from characters in Ted Lasso? Include the characters Rebecca Walton, Keeley Jones, Sam Obisanya and Higgins. Don't mention the character Ted Lasso.

The hit TV series "Ted Lasso" has captured the hearts of viewers with its heartwarming and comedic portrayal of an American football coach taking charge of a struggling English soccer team. While the show primarily focuses on the titular character, Ted Lasso, there are several supporting characters whose experiences and actions provide valuable business lessons. In this article, we will explore the business lessons we can glean from characters such as Rebecca Walton, Keeley Jones, Sam Obisanya, and Higgins.

Rebecca Walton - Embrace Change and Take Risks:

Rebecca Walton, the owner of AFC Richmond, initially sets out to sabotage the team due to personal reasons. However, as the series progresses, she realizes the importance of embracing change. As a business lesson, Rebecca teaches us that taking risks and being open to new ideas can lead to positive outcomes. In the business world, being stuck in old ways can hinder growth and innovation. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing change, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for success.

Keeley Jones - Building a Personal Brand:

Keeley Jones, the confident and stylish girlfriend of AFC Richmond player Jamie Tartt, demonstrates the power of building a personal brand. Keeley understands the importance of presentation, networking, and leveraging her personal strengths to make a lasting impression. In the business world, building a personal brand is crucial for professional growth. By showcasing our unique skills, cultivating a positive reputation, and making meaningful connections, we can elevate our careers and attract valuable opportunities.

Sam Obisanya - Leadership with Humility and Empathy:

Sam Obisanya, a young and talented player for AFC Richmond, exemplifies leadership qualities rooted in humility and empathy. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Sam remains respectful, understanding, and supportive of his teammates. As a business lesson, Sam teaches us that effective leadership is not about dominance or ego but about empowering others and fostering a positive team dynamic. By leading with humility and empathy, we can inspire and motivate our colleagues, creating a more productive and harmonious work environment.

Higgins - Effective Communication and Teamwork:

Leslie Higgins, the mild-mannered and dedicated team administrator of AFC Richmond, is an exemplar of effective communication and teamwork. Higgins consistently serves as a bridge between different team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. In the business world, effective communication is essential for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and driving successful outcomes. Higgins teaches us the importance of active listening, clear articulation, and fostering a supportive team culture where everyone's voice is heard.

Overall, the characters in "Ted Lasso" provide valuable business lessons that can be applied to various professional settings. Rebecca Walton reminds us to embrace change and take calculated risks for growth and success. Keeley Jones highlights the significance of building a personal brand to stand out in a competitive world. Sam Obisanya teaches us that leadership rooted in humility and empathy can drive positive team dynamics. Finally, Higgins emphasizes the importance of effective communication and teamwork in achieving shared goals.

By incorporating these lessons into our own business endeavors, we can develop a well-rounded approach to leadership, personal branding, adaptability, and effective communication. "Ted Lasso" not only entertains us but also offers practical insights that can guide us in navigating the complex world of business. As we watch these characters' journeys unfold, we can learn valuable lessons that go beyond the soccer field, making us better professionals in our own respective fields.