The World According to Ted Lasso
I am completely drawn into the world of Ted Lasso.
If you don’t know already, Ted Lasso is an Apple TV series about the Richmond football team in London, England and the recently embittered divorcee Rebecca Welton at its helm who hires Ted Lasso, a Div II football coach from the US, and does everything in her power to sabotage him and the team.
The world of Ted Lasso hits many high points for me.
The first point standing out for me is the way Ted Lasso’s only goal is to see each one of the players be their best both on and off the field. He takes his time being consistent in his approach, getting to know each player and is there for them when they need to talk. One of my favourite lines is when he and Coach Beard are discussing how mad the team captain is and how furious he will be when they win him over.
Ted and Coach Beard also look for quick wins when they first arrive -- a strong recommendation for any leader. They put out a suggestion box for the players to use and in reviewing the contents, they aren’t swayed by the numerous naysayer “Wanker” comments. Instead, they persevere to find the one complaint they can fix and will make a difference for the players. So they fix the water pressure in the showers.
There are also the numerous scenes of the pain, sorrow, frustration and anger that we all feel and express at work. I used to think emotions should be parked outside the workplace but I soon realized this was not possible nor even advisable. Ted’s leadership style was to roll with these punches and to not overreact. He sets a good example though when he overreacts himself and apologizes as soon as he can -- which is another good practice for leaders. Another great example is his speech to the team after a significant loss where he acknowledges the hurt and the frustration, tells them not to suffer this alone, and encourages them to be goldfish -- the animal with the shortest memory.
Honesty is also a key theme throughout the series with people not being afraid to directly tell it like it is. Not being mean about it though (although this is not always the case -- there wouldn’t be any drama without it) — just spoken straight from the heart because it is said to make things better and to bring out the best. Doesn’t this sound like effective feedback?
From the investment in each person, to quick wins, working with our emotions, and being honest -- Ted Lasso is actually a story about building trust. Sure, it is a TV show. But I love it when entertainment helps demonstrate a world that is possible.
Photo by Tammy Brimner/TLBVelo Photography