From the Pitch to the Office
Lately, I’ve developed a rather peculiar habit. Whenever I start watching a series or movie on a streaming platform, I find myself dozing off or getting distracted by my smartphone within the first 15 minutes. It’s like they instantly become boring to me, except for a few exceptions that I can count on one hand. One of those exceptions is Ted Lasso. Initially, I thought it was just a comedy series about soccer (expecting some American football coach making fun of the “real” football). Boy, was I wrong!
Ted Lasso turned out to be so much more than that. It’s packed with valuable concepts on leadership, teamwork, and organizational management that feel incredibly relevant to the modern work landscape. Here are a few examples:
- Be optimistic and positive. Ted Lasso is always upbeat and cheerful, even when faced with challenges and criticism. He believes in the power of positivity and encourages his team to do the same. He never gives up on his players or himself, and always sees the best in everyone. For instance, he gives a motivational speech to his team before their first match, telling them to believe in themselves and each other. He also cheers up his star player Jamie Tartt, who is depressed after being dumped by his girlfriend, by giving him a toy soldier as a symbol of courage and friendship.
- Be empathetic and compassionate. Ted Lasso is not just a coach, but also a friend and a mentor to his team. He cares about their personal lives and their well-being, and tries to help them with their problems. He listens to their concerns and respects their opinions. He also shows kindness and forgiveness to his enemies, such as his boss Rebecca and his rival Rupert. For example, he helps Rebecca cope with her divorce and her loneliness, by inviting her to join him for dinner and karaoke. He also forgives Rupert for cheating on Rebecca and for trying to sabotage his team, by offering him a friendly hug.
- Be humble and respectful. Ted Lasso is not afraid to admit his mistakes and learn from them. He does not pretend to know everything about soccer, but rather seeks advice from others who have more experience. He also respects the culture and traditions of his new country, and tries to fit in with the locals. He does not act superior or arrogant, but rather treats everyone with dignity and courtesy. For instance, he apologizes to his assistant coach Nate for taking credit for his idea, and praises him in front of the team. He also learns how to make proper tea for his boss Rebecca, and how to play darts with his pub friends.
- Be adaptable and creative. Ted Lasso is willing to try new things and experiment with different strategies. He does not stick to the conventional wisdom or the status quo, but rather challenges himself and his team to grow and improve. He also uses his creativity and humor to make the best out of any situation, and to motivate his team to have fun and enjoy the game. For example, he organizes a team bonding session where they play Diamond Dogs, a game where they give each other honest advice on their personal issues. He also comes up with a clever trick play to win a crucial match against Manchester City, by pretending that Jamie Tartt is injured.
- Be supportive and collaborative. Ted Lasso is not a dictator, but a leader who empowers his team to take ownership and responsibility for their actions. He does not micromanage or control them, but rather trusts them and gives them freedom and autonomy. He also fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where everyone works together towards a common goal, and celebrates each other’s successes. For example, he lets his captain Roy Kent decide when he wants to retire from playing, and supports him in his transition to coaching. He also encourages his team to embrace their underdog status, and to play with heart and passion.
Adapting all those values may be a challenge, but let’s not be too quick to write them off. It’s worth trying to incorporate them into our daily interactions and see if they make a positive difference.
