3 min readEnhancewell
The series finale of "Ted Lasso" aired two weeks ago, and if we're being honest, I'm still not over the ending of the best TV series since... well... ever. The American football coach brought to the UK to destroy a team running manned his way into our hearts with his cheerful outlook on life, authenticity, and genuine care for everyone he met. The series may be over, but until the genius writers bring us (what I hope will be) an equally genius spinoff, let's ruminate on the leadership lessons we can learn from Ted Lasso.
The best Ted Lasso Leadership quotes
It has come to my attention that not everyone has watched the Apple+ series, so let's use a few Ted Lasso leadership quotes to introduce the character from Kansas.
"I've been hearing this phrase y'all got over here that I ain't too crazy about. 'It's the hope that kills you.' Y'all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it's the lack of hope that comes and gets you. See, I believe in hope. I believe in belief. Now, where I'm from, we got a saying too. A question, actually. 'Do you believe in miracles?'"
"You beating yourself up is like Woody Allen playing the clarinet. I don’t want to hear it."
"As the man once said, 'the harder you work, the luckier you get.'"
"Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing."
"Guys have underestimated me my entire life. And for years, I never understood why. It used to really bother me. But then one day, I was driving my little boy to school, and I saw this quote by Walt Whitman, and it was painted on the wall there. It said, 'Be curious, not judgmental.' I like that."
What can Ted Lasso teach us about leading your team?
Some balked when Ted famously said, "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."
In business (and football), success is most often measured in numbers— points on a board or dollars in the bank account. And while those metrics are important, the quality of the players on the field or employees on the team can make a more profound impact long-term. Invest in your team and create a culture that values integrity, kindness, and getting better every day.
What can Ted Lasso teach us about facing challenges?
No one likes to be uncomfortable. But if you're going to try something new, a little discomfort is guaranteed. Ted Lasso said, "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong."
Get out of your comfort zone and go for the gold. Like riding a horse, even when it's uncomfortable (especially then), you're usually on your way somewhere exciting.
What can Ted Lasso teach us about dealing with difficult co-workers?
Calling Nate a difficult co-worker is perhaps the understatement of the century. He (spoiler alert) leaks a secret told in confidence, and instead of getting mad, Ted asks, *"What have I got to learn here?" *
He doesn't deflect or sling mud right back. He uses negative experiences as a learning opportunity.
What can Ted Lasso teach us about being a team player?
There's no question that Jamie Tartt is AFC Richmond's star player. But Ted Lasso tells him, "I think that you might be so sure that you're one in a million, that sometimes you forget that out there you're just one in 11."
To work well as a team, everyone has to participate by playing to their strengths and supporting others in theirs. A one-man show gets pretty boring, but a true team can make miracles happen.
There will never be another Ted Lasso, but you can incorporate his one-of-a-kind leadership style in your workplace. Just remember, always believe in belief!