Ted Lasso Leadership Lessons

Who would you pick if you could choose a TV show character to be your boss? Would it be the quirky and eccentric Michael Scott from “The Office,” the enigmatic and unpredictable Don Draper from “Mad Men,” or the courageous and determined “Wonder Woman”?

And no, this isn't one of those fancy “pick a picture, and I'll tell you what your personality is” tests! Watching movies and TV series is no longer just a leisure activity; it can inspire us and provide us with new perspectives. We can learn valuable lessons about leadership from famous TV shows, both positive and negative examples. By analyzing the traits of different characters, we can gain insight into what makes an excellent leader and how to avoid common pitfalls. How fun is that?

Ted Lasso is one such example of a character who serves as an exceptional role model for anyone seeking to create a positive and inclusive work environment. Ted prioritizes his team above all else, and although he can be overly optimistic at times, he always supports those around him. Analyzing characters like Ted can teach us much about leadership and what it takes to be a great leader in today's rapidly changing world. This is my favorite TV show, and I would like to share some of the lessons I've learned from it and how business leaders can apply them in their lives.

Belief should come first!

There's no denying the power of belief when it comes to leadership. A leader with unwavering faith in their company, team, and mission can inspire greatness. Confidence in every aspect of your business is vital, from product creation and service marketing to customer and team member treatment and environmental impact. Your company's Mission, Vision, and Values should reflect a robust belief system. Your mission statement should be concise, compelling, and easy to understand.

In contrast, your vision statement should be ambitious, inspiring, and challenging enough to motivate your team. Your values should mirror your company's principles, beliefs, and operating methods. With a robust belief system, a clear mission and vision, and a set of values your team believes in, you can cultivate a positive culture that attracts and retains top talent, inspires loyalty and drives success.

When you need a reminder to stay on track, follow Ted's lead and put an orange poster on the wall. This orange poster gave hope and support to the team during moments of weakness, helping them to achieve their goal.

Success is a result of leading

Success is subjective but often equated with numbers like sales, revenue, and profit in the business world. In sports, success means winning. As a coach, your success is directly linked to your team's success. When your team wins, you win. And when they lose, it's not only their fault. That's why setting SMART goals and providing opportunities for growth and development through education and training are crucial.

But it's not just about achieving targets; it's about instilling a positive mindset, determination, and resilience in your team. Motivate your team to tackle challenges with a winning attitude and stay focused on the big picture despite setbacks. Create clear expectations, foster an open, honest environment, and celebrate their successes and shortcomings. Regular communication with your team is necessary to ensure everyone is on the same page and to encourage their best efforts rather than expecting the worst. Lead your team with empathy as your guiding principle, and guide them towards greatness.

Legitimacy of vulnerability

Admitting your mistakes and being open about your feelings are crucial to building trust and connection within your team. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for team members to share their thoughts and emotions. A leader who is willing to be vulnerable becomes more authentic and relatable.

Ted Lasso's character teaches us the significance of vulnerability, accepting failure, and dealing with despair. Although he struggles with vulnerability and sometimes conceals his pain, he understands that acknowledging and addressing these emotions is vital to becoming our best selves.

As a coach, Ted knows how to motivate and inspire his team with his words. But what sets him apart is the powerful and motivational metaphor he imparts to his team – “Be a goldfish.” This simple phrase encourages the team to take risks, learn from setbacks, and move forward.

The message of resilience that Ted Lasso conveys is more critical now than ever. As leaders, we must prioritize our teams' mental well-being and cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence. Our employees look up to us and observe how we react and adapt during challenging times. Therefore, setting a positive example and supporting our teams through tough times is essential.

Say Oklahoma to get the Truth

In one couple's therapy session, Ted and his wife used the word “Oklahoma” to signify their commitment to always being truthful with each other. This powerful example highlights the significance of honesty and transparency in all aspects of life, including personal relationships and leadership roles.

It's crucial to be transparent with your team, even when uncomfortable, and encourage them to do the same. Creating a culture of honesty fosters accountability and mutual respect, enabling your team to navigate challenges confidently.

Leaders who demonstrate this type of bravery are the ones who succeed. They possess the integrity to have tough conversations with their employees about areas requiring improvement while being empathetic and tactful. It takes sincere commitment to do and say complicated things, even when challenging.

Conclusion

Embarking on the path of leadership is a thrilling adventure. And Ted Lasso could encourage you to lead with hope, inspire with vulnerability, and cultivate a culture of authenticity. These principles are invaluable in guiding your team to success while fostering personal growth and fulfillment. Embrace your passion, champion what is right, defeat ego, and cultivate trust. Practicing curiosity and celebrating diversity will build a thriving team and organization!