What has Ted Lasso taught us about Leadership?

Ted Lasso is undoubtedly a hit show. The first season in 2021, was nominated 20 times at the Emmy Awards, making it the most nominated first-season comedy in Emmy History. 

The show won seven out of the first 20 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for A Comedy Series.

Adding Season 2, Ted Lasso now has received 40 Emmy nominations and 11 wins, and Ted has become a beloved character for many reasons, but one of the most prominent is his exceptional leadership style. 

So, what is it that Ted Lasso has taught us about leadership, what 6 qualities has he demonstrated and what can we learn from them? Here are some of his prime leadership qualities and some examples:

1. Empathy

Ted Lasso makes it a point to connect with each of his team members on a personal level. He takes the time to get to know them, their struggles, and their strengths. This empathy helps him understand how to motivate and encourage each player to perform their best. He prioritizes understanding people's motivations and perspectives, which makes him a great leader.

In the series, there are many instances of Ted Lasso's empathy towards others. One example is in the episode "The Diamond Dogs," where Ted notices that his assistant coach, Coach Beard, is feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

Instead of ignoring his friend's struggles, Ted takes the time to listen to Coach Beard and empathize with him. He understands that Coach Beard is feeling the pressure to perform well and help the team succeed, so he offers him words of encouragement and reminds him of his strengths. Ted also takes the time to help Coach Beard relax and have fun, which helps him feel more comfortable and confident in his role as an assistant coach.

By showing empathy towards Coach Beard, Ted helps him feel seen and understood, which ultimately leads to him feeling more relaxed and capable.

2. Humility

Despite being a successful football coach in the US, Ted Lasso is humble and willing to learn. He recognizes that he has a lot to learn about soccer and is not afraid to ask for help. In one episode, he seeks the help of a rival coach, who is known for his defensive tactics, to help him improve his team's defense. By being humble, Ted gains the respect of his team and others around him.

Another example of humility is when Ted admits to his team that he doesn't know everything about soccer and asks for their help. He says to the team, "I don't know much about soccer, but I know a thing or two about coaching. So I'm gonna ask you all to teach me the game." This shows that Ted is willing to be vulnerable and open to learning from others, which is a key aspect of humility.

3. Positive attitude

Ted Lasso's infectious positivity is one of his most endearing qualities. Even in the face of setbacks, he is optimistic and encourages his team to stay positive as well. This attitude helps his team stay motivated and focused on their goals.

An example of this is when Roy Kent, the gruff and cynical team captain, begins to show a more positive outlook on the team's prospects. In tone of the episodes, Roy has been benched due to an injury and is struggling with feelings of self-doubt and frustration. However, he decides to put his energy into helping his teammates and becomes a vocal supporter from the sidelines. He continues to show a positive attitude by offering encouragement and advice to Sam Obisanya, the young and talented Nigerian player. When Sam expresses doubt about his abilities, Roy tells him to believe in himself and reminds him of his strengths. This positive attitude helps Sam gain confidence and perform better on the field.

4. Adaptable

Ted Lasso is not a traditional soccer coach, but he adapts his approach to fit the needs of his team. He is willing to try new things and adjust his strategy based on what his players need to succeed.

Ted himself adjusts his coaching style to suit the team's needs. Ted realizes that his usual tactics aren't working with his English soccer team and decides to try something new. He consults with Coach Beard, his assistant, and they come up with a plan to switch up the team's formation and tactics.

At first, the players are hesitant and unsure about the changes, but Ted's enthusiasm and confidence in the new strategy help convince them to give it a try. As a result, the team performs better and is able to secure a win.

5. Teamwork

Ted Lasso is a firm believer in the power of teamwork. He fosters a team-first mentality and encourages his players to support and depend on each other. This approach helps build a strong sense of community and helps the team work together towards a common goal.

One specific example is when Sam Obisanya is being targeted by the opposing team's fans. The team rallies around him, with Roy Kent offering to stand up for him and the rest of the team showing their support. They remind Sam that they are a family and that they have each other's backs no matter what.

6. Integrity

 Ted Lasso has strong values and principles that guide his actions. He believes in doing the right thing, even if it's not the easy thing. In one episode, he stands up to the team's owner, who wants to sell the team's best player for financial gain. Ted believes that the player is an integral part of the team and refuses to let him go. His integrity earns the respect of his team and fans.

Ted Lasso is successful because he knows how to lead, but not using the time-honoured image we have of a leader, charging forward with their troops running after them. Ted’s leadership style is often described as positive, empathetic, and supportive. He values teamwork, communication, and personal growth, and he strives to create a positive and inclusive team culture. 

Rather than focusing solely on winning, Ted prioritizes his players' well-being and personal development, supporting them both on and off the field. He takes the time to get to know each player individually, listening to their concerns and encouraging them to express themselves openly.

He also leads by example, modelling the behaviour he expects from his team. He maintains a positive attitude and outlook, even in the face of adversity, and he is willing to admit when he makes mistakes. 

Overall, Ted's leadership style emphasizes positivity, empathy, and personal growth, creating a team culture that is supportive and uplifting.

We are well into Season 3 now and this series continues to provide fantastic entertainment and even more examples of talented and authentic leadership. I can’t wait to see how this season ends, and then how many more Emmys they will grab!

Peter M. Beaumont is the Founder and Principal of ConnXN Consulting and is a Leadership & Organisation Accelerator as well as the Leadership Partner with Success Authorities. He is also the author of the book The Relationship Roadmap, a comprehensive guide to building relationships with strategic clients.