Written by: Rachael Bull, Editor-in-Chief.
There’s quite a bit of Ted Lasso wisdom we can apply to the world of work and life in general. Here’s some that came to me, but I’d love to hear what you take from watching it. Time for a ‘Favourite quotes from Ted Lasso’ discussion, perhaps?
Success is different for everyone.
He even wasn’t bothered about winning games, ‘til it dawned on him just how much it mattered to the players and to the wider community. For selfless Ted, success is all about his team:
“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.”
Leaders don’t need to be – or claim to be – the experts.
He literally has no idea about football – that it’s a game of two halves, not four quarters. He doesn’t understand how games can be tied. He’s not embarrassed about this; the opposite, in fact:
“Let’s address the larger-than-average elephant in the room. No, I have never coached the sport that you folks call football. At any level. Heck, you could fill two internets with what I don’t know about football,” he openly acknowledges at his first press conference to a room full of shocked journalists. He’s humble. He’s a beginner and he embraces it.
Great ideas come from everyone.
The thing is, he doesn’t need to be the expert and he knows it. Instead, he asks questions and he relies on the people that surround him. His long-standing right-hand man Coach Beard plays an important role here. So does kit man Nathan, who is astounded that someone in Ted’s position would even talk to him, let alone take on board what he thinks about tactics. For Ted, everyone has value.
Authenticity is key.
He accepts the players for their spoilt, prima donna ways, their tantrums, their vanity. For Ted, it’s never about changing people, but being patient in understanding their personal challenges, their background, their fears and motivations – and changing tack accordingly. His empathy knows no bounds.
Belief is everything.
One of the first things Ted does when he arrives at the club is put up a ‘Believe’ sign in the changing room. When his players are losing hope, he lifts them up: “I have a real tricky time hearing folks that don’t believe in themselves.”
In challenging times, unity is crucial.
One of Ted’s quotes that struck a chord with me in these isolating times:
“I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad. And that is being alone and being sad. Ain’t no one in this room alone.”
Enough said.