Believe - lead like Lasso
While searching out the next series to binge on during our recent lockdown, I stumbled across the first season of Apple TV's hit show 'Ted Lasso'. For those of you who have yet to watch Ted Lasso, it is not only enjoyable watching; it offers viewers profound leadership lessons, such as how to develop a positive culture, building a high performing team and that the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in your leadership toolkit.
Without giving too much of the story away, Ted is an American college football (gridiron) coach. He is unexpectedly recruited by Rebecca Welton, the owner of AFC Richmond, a fictitious struggling English Premier League club, despite Ted having no experience in football management. By hiring Ted, she hopes to lead the club to relegation, an act designed to get back at her cheating ex-husband. She is destroying the one thing he loves, his football team.
So here are ten leadership lessons from my lockdown binge so that we can all lead like Lasso.
1. BELIEVE
The first thing Ted does as the new manager is hanging a sign in the changing room with the word " Believe ". A motivational message for everyone on his team. As a slogan, it shows that even before a ball is kicked, he has confidence in his team.
2. HAVE A VISION
Ted's philosophy is not about winning but enjoying each game, training session, and the result, regardless if it ends in a win, draw or loss. For business leaders, it is important to have a philosophy above the objective of making money. Having a vision is your pathway to success.
You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish! — Ted Lasso
3. KINDNESS AND HUMILITY ARE NOT A WEAKNESS
Arriving in London, Ted has little understanding of the game of football and its rules. He is criticised for not understanding the offside rule. His mindest is to approach each new situation as a learning opportunity, seeking the support of others. Humility and kindness become his strength. As we emerge from the shock of the pandemic, and the multiple opening and lockdowns of the workplace, it is critical that we remain connected to our people. That we are empathetic to their needs, understanding how they are coping through difficult tiimes.
4. THERE IS NO ‘ME’ IN TEAM
Champion teams are not made from a team of champions. Chasing personal glory above the team does not end well. Ted recognises that the team consists of individuals, each with different and complementary skillsets and experiences. Not individual superstars.
For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field. — Ted Lasso
5. BE INTERESTED IN YOUR PEOPLE
Ted wins over his new team to become a respected and loved leader. Core to his approach is his curiosity and interest in his people and their wellbeing. Successful leaders know that you need to care for everyone on the team, from the boss, the assistant to the person making the tea. The last year has proven just how important this is.
6. AND KNOW THAT EACH PERSON IS DIFFERENT
Ted recognises that not everyone on the team is motivated by the same goals. The same will before your employees. I've always valued autonomy and freedom over money or position. If you want to keep everyone on your team motivated, identify their interests and tailor your response. Some on your team will embrace remote working, others will need and value the connectivity of being part of a team and crave meeting again in person.
7. INVOLVE EVERYONE ON THE TEAM
Ted listens to everyone. One of his first decisions is to include the teams kit man, Nathan, in his management thinking. This is a clever move, as Nathan has insight and ideas which help Ted develop winning game plans. I've often found that the best ideas can come from the most unexpected sources on your team.
If God would have wanted games to end in a tie, she wouldn’t have invented numbers. — Ted Lasso
8. BRING YOUR PEOPLE TOGETHER
Ted builds consensus and trust. As the series develops, Ted finds points where everyone feels identified and gets to know each other better. This happens in all teams: people get along, and others don't, but a good leader manages the differences and amplifies similarities.
9. YOU NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL TELL YOU HOW IT REALLY IS
We all need these people, and Ted is no different. He encourages his Assistant, the Director of Football and others to provide him with their honest opinions. It would be a mistake to add people to your team who always tell you what you want to hear – I see this far too often – look for people who are confident to challenge your thinking and, if they are not, permit them, to be honest with you.
10. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
In the final episode of the first series, AFC Richmond takes on league leaders Manchester City, Ted throws away the rule book, using gridiron play’s to confuse the opposition and disrupt their game. As leaders, we may need to try something out of the ordinary to achieve a breakthrough, and this can be the best source of innovation.
Hey, takin’ on a challenge is a lot like ridin’ a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong. — Ted Lasso
Lastly, never underestimate or pass judgement. Many of Ted's critics, the media, players, his colleagues, and the former club owner underestimate his abilities. Remain curious, ask questions and don't assume you have all the answers.
Ted is a powerful role model as a leader. He mixes motivation, humour, optimism and vulnerability to accomplish his goal of making everyone a better version of themselves.
I believe in hope. I believe in believe. — Ted Lasso
Series two of Ted Lasso has just dropped on Apple TV. I won't be waiting for another lockdown for more leadership lessons from Lasso.