A friend told me I had to watch a new Apple TV series, Ted Lasso. My initial reaction was, Ted, who? From the first episode, I was hooked. I enjoyed every moment of every episode. When the series ended, I was left wanting more! What a strange place to find some of the best leadership lessons: a TV series. This show was exciting and relevant because it showed leadership skills in action, not just those studied from a book or heard in a lecture. So many great and memorable lessons were demonstrated.

Ted Lasso is a workshop on “how to lead and manage at work and in life.” I was so interested in diving deeper and learning all I could from Coach Lasso that I went back and re-watched every episode and took notes. I replayed numerous parts so I could get the words and quotes correct. At times, the British accents were so thick that I had a hard time understanding what was said. My solution to this editorial challenge was engaging the English subtitles that helped me with every word.

As I re-watched and studied each episode, recurring themes began to emerge. These themes were the most salient learning points for me. What follows is a distillation of my thoughts, takeaways, and favorite quotes that best summarize each topic. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did watching and re-watching it!

Teamwork: The Balance Between ‘Me’ and ‘Us’

No organization, from a family to a Fortune 500 firm, can excel without those involved working in a cooperative manner. There is value in being part of a larger unit, be it a Team, Family, or Business. Teamwork isn’t just about working well with others; it’s about understanding and appreciating each individual’s uniqueness and combining these diverse talents to create something extraordinary.

 “You are so sure that you are 1 in a million, that sometimes you forget you are one of 11.”

“It ain’t the execution that’s the gift its the exertion.”

“It’s our choices, gentlemen, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Living in the Present: Goldfish Wisdom

We need to focus on the now rather than getting caught up in the past. Learn from past mistakes, a gift you give yourself, then move on. Living in the present moment is an art that can dramatically improve the quality of your life. Ted Lasso champions this principle, using the metaphor of a goldfish to emphasize the power of embracing the now.

“Be a goldfish” they have a 10-second memory.

“Don’t let the past muck up your future.”

“You intend to go 12 rounds with yourself…why?…you need to get some of these (scissors), cut yourself some slack.”

Belief: The Power Within and Around

Belief is more than just a fleeting thought or a vague wish; it’s the fuel driving the transformation engine. In the world of Ted Lasso, this word takes on a unique significance, helping to change lives both on and off the football field. Belief, both in oneself and in others, shapes destiny.

“To believe in yourself, to believe in one another, that’s fundamental to being alive.”

“I have a real tricky time hearing folks that don’t believe in themselves.”

“Success is not about the wins and losses, its about helping these young persons be the best version of themselves.”

Embracing Love, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness

Ted Lasso’s wisdom on love transcends the confines of romance, teaching us that love is a universal principle that applies to all aspects of life. Love is the cornerstone of a fulfilling, meaningful life, from friendships to romantic relationships and even our relationships with ourselves.

“After all what’s more important, being loving or being right?”

“I think that if you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”

“That’s the thing about being a parent: sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, most times you just tie. All we can do is keep playing.”

Be Curious, not Judgmental.

Curiosity isn’t just an attribute; for Ted Lasso, it’s a way of life. It is an approach that fundamentally alters how we interact with the world and serves as an antidote to judgment and narrow-mindedness. When we think we’ve got it all figured out, we lose the ability to explore, learn, and grow.

“I realized not a single one of them was curious, they thought they had everything all figured out.”

“Most of the time change is a good thing, I think that’s what its all about, embracing change, being brave, doing whatever you have to so everyone in your life can move forward with theirs.”

“Alot of times the right idea is sitting right behind a couple of wrong ones.”

Being Authentic: Be Your Best Self

The character of Ted Lasso shows us the power of being yourself, not only for personal satisfaction but also for the impact it has on those around you. Authentic leadership fosters trust and encourages a culture of openness and inclusivity. When leaders are authentic, team members are more likely to be authentic, too, creating a virtuous cycle that can lead to unexpected levels of success.

“The best brand is just being yourself.”

“Sometimes you have to do the right thing, even if you lose.”

“There are 2 buttons I never like to hit; panic and snooze.”

Positivity and Perseverance: Pushing Forward

Ted Lasso teaches us that a positive outlook can make all the difference, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. When faced with obstacles, a positive mindset shifts the focus from what you’ve lost to what you still have and can gain. It propels you to “fight forward,” turning disadvantages into learning opportunities.

“Every disadvantage has its advantage.”

“Don’t fight back, fight forward!”

“The best we can do is keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep doing that you will always be moving towards better.”

Conclusion

Leaders today can not possibly know everything. Great ideas can come from anywhere. Stay open-minded and curious. Play to your strengths, forget the past (be a goldfish), and stay in the present. Inspire confidence in others and let them be themselves. Put your beliefs and morals at the top of his decision-making criteria. Keep a beginner mindset, never stop learning, and don’t play or pretend to be the expert. These are the essence of leadership drawn from Ted’s unique approach.

“It’s not about me. It never was.”
Ted Lasso

References:
Quotes are from the “Ted Lasso” TV series, created by Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Sudeikis, aired on Apple TV+ from August 2020.