Here are a few valuable lessons in business leadership that we can learn from the one and only Ted Lasso.
My family loves the hit Apple TV series, “Ted Lasso.” In recent years, the show has taken the world by storm, capturing hearts with its feel-good storyline and memorable characters. While the plot primarily revolves around a fictional American football coach turned English football (soccer) coach navigating his way through the challenges of managing a professional team, it also offers valuable insights into the realm of business leadership. Through the character of Ted Lasso, portrayed brilliantly by Jason Sudeikis, and his memorable quotes, we can learn important lessons about creating a positive and productive workplace environment and fostering a harmonious and successful team.
“Believe.”
➡️➡️Read More: Are you an Employer of Choice?
Spoiler alert: Season 3 ends with the Believe sign torn again and Ted showing us how to be an excellent leader as he implores the team that belief is not something that hangs on the wall but something that is inside us all. Like Ted, we must also empower our business teams to believe in themselves, each other, and the services that we provide. It is more than a poster and more than a speech; managers must lead with a value-based mindset.
“Be a Goldfish.”
According to the show, goldfish have a 10-second memory. Ted Lasso uses this knowledge to impart wisdom to his players and son when they make mistakes. I love this approach. Mistakes happen; we are human. However, if we remember Ted Lasso’s mantra on goldfish, we must be like a goldfish, forget the mistake, and move forward. And as business leaders, we need to ensure our teams know that we will support them when mistakes happen and not revisit mistakes after resolutions have been made.
“Don’t bring an umbrella to a brainstorm.”
“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.”
The most endearing quality of Ted Lasso was the authentic way he cared about his players. He recognized that his job as coach was more than just winning the game. He felt strongly that in his role, he should help each player be a better person, whether they were playing for AFC Richmond or moving to another opportunity. As business leaders, we must also take Ted’s approach. We must nurture a culture of employee development through training opportunities, mentorship programs, and promotional opportunities. Communicate frequently with employees about their goals and then help them achieve them. Supporting employees in their professional journeys enhances their skills and boosts their confidence and loyalty to the organization. Let’s help our teams be the best versions of themselves.
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
Propel HR President Lee Yarborough
-- Lee Yarborough, President, Propel HR
🎧Learn more about Lee's experience starting Propel with her father, her work on Women in NAPEO & NextGen, and the importance of having the “freedom to fail.” Listen HERE on Spotify or search People Pat Meets where you get your podcasts.
About Lee. Active in many professional and community organizations, Lee recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO). As NAPEO Chair, Lee focused on diversity and initiatives to deepen member relations. Under her leadership, she formed Women in NAPEO (WIN), a networking group designed to engage, empower, and encourage women working in the PEO industry. On the local level, Lee also served as the Chair of NAPEO’s Carolinas Leadership Council for more than a decade. In 2015, she was named a Fellow of the eleventh class of the Liberty Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
An advocate for public education, Lee has served on the executive board as Chair of Public Education Partners and is the founder and director of Read Up Greenville, a young adult and middle grades book festival in downtown Greenville, SC.
When she breaks from board meetings, client visits, and networking, most likely, you will find Lee reading, camping, or spending time with her family. She also enjoys volunteering at her church and staying involved with her children's schools.
About Propel HR. Propel HR is an IRS-certified PEO that has been a leading provider of human resources and payroll solutions for more than 25 years. Propel partners with small to mid-sized businesses to manage payroll, employee benefits, compliance and risks, and other HR functions in a way that maximizes efficiency and reduces costs. Visit our new website at www.propelhr.com.