What Ted Lasso Taught Me: Nice Guys DON'T Finish Last

We need a few more Teds.

As a West-London native and football tragic, I loved the Ted Lasso series. I read in The Australian this weekend how leaders are learning from his empathy and team-first approach.

Here are their main tips:

1. Value social networks
2. Be authentic
3. Lean into vulnerability and feedback
4. Embrace soft skills and recognise staff
5. Know when to call it quits

Ted’s a nice guy - you can’t not love him (and feel for him).

And that’s the point.

I wrote a post contesting the adage “nice guys finish last ” a few months ago. I was listening to some old Green Day tunes. It features a few guiding principles (teachings we get from our parents, schools, religious institutions, sports teams etc…) as a reminder to help you be the best version of yourself inside and outside of work.

"Yes, sure, managing with empathy is easy when your team’s going well and just needs a metaphorical hug"…but there’s often this misconception that empathetic leaders avoid having tough conversations.

For great leaders, like Ted, it’s not true.

And for great leaders, like Ted, it’s also important to note it’s not about him.?

Ted epitomises service and puts the hard yards into helping people be the best versions of themselves inside and outside of work.

For me, there are 5 key moments where we can learn a lot from Ted:

1. Empowering capable team members and helping them reach their true potential
2. Taking a firm stance on unacceptable, selfish, and arrogant behaviour.
3. Encouraging natural leaders to step up and lead.
4. Choosing empathy and forgiveness over anger and resentment
5. Helping team members get out of their own way.

For fans of the show, here are the 5 examples and the lessons:

1. Nate's Transformation

Ted helps Nate the kit man grow into an assistant coach by recognising his potential and giving him opportunities to shine.

Lesson: Empowering team members by recognising their strengths and providing opportunities for growth can transform performance.

2. Jamie Tartt’s Attitude Adjustment

Ted addresses Jamie’s arrogant behaviour by benching him, teaching him the importance of teamwork and humility.

Lesson: Sometimes, taking a firm stance on poor behavior is necessary to instill important values like teamwork and humility.

3. Roy Kent’s Leadership Development

Ted encourages Roy, the team’s veteran player, to take on a leadership role, helping him manage his frustrations and channel them positively.

Lesson: Encouraging natural leaders to step up can improve both their performance and the team’s dynamics.

4. Handling Rebecca’s Sabotage

When Ted learns that Rebecca hired him to sabotage the team, he responds with forgiveness and understanding, eventually winning her over.

Lesson: Responding to betrayal with empathy and forgiveness can turn adversaries into allies.

5. Dani Rojas’ Confidence Crisis

Ted helps Dani overcome his penalty kick trauma by creating a supportive environment and using humor to ease his anxiety.

Lesson: Addressing performance anxiety with support and a positive atmosphere can help individuals regain their confidence.

We Need a Few More Teds

Ted Lasso’s leadership style is a masterclass in how empathy, empowerment, and a genuine #care and concern for others can turn a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team. His approach shows that nice guys don’t finish last – they build lasting, meaningful relationships and inspire others to be their best.?

AFC Richmond might be a fictional team, but the lessons Ted imparts are very real and applicable in our everyday lives. Whether you're leading a team at work, coaching a sports team, or simply doing life managing personal relationships, Ted’s lessons are a testament to the power of #kindness, #resilience, and unwavering #support.

So, here’s to Ted Lasso and the AFC Richmonds of the world – proving every day that nice guys can indeed finish first!