13 Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

Awhile back, a PMO colleague wrote a blog post about Ted Lasso’s advice to be a goldfish. At the time, I didn’t watch the show, but enjoyed his post. He encouraged me to watch the series, and when Apple gave me free AppleTV for buying a new device, I binge watched. What a great show. So bummed it was only a few seasons. I recently came across Ted Lasso’s 13 Leadership Lessons that I had saved on my phone. Remember, leadership isn’t about a title. Anyone can be a leader, inspiring others to be better. Italicized comments are mine.

1. Be sincere
Seems obvious, but don’t ever think you’re fooling people with inauthenticity. Honesty begets honesty, so be the first in that domino train.
2.   Stay teachable
Never stop learning. Lifelong students are continually improving and growing. Study facts, history, people, trends… Consider formal training (Project University), self-paced (LinkedIn Learning), on-the-job training, and simple observation of others – both of what to do and what not to do.
3. See good in others
Try to ignore what you have heard or consider bad about someone and focus on their goodness. When you get to know the person, the good is easier to see.
4.   Happiness is a choice
We all have an enormous range of emotions, and being unhappy is one of them. A legitimate one. Sometimes you just aren’t happy, and that’s OK. But can we choose to “turn that frown upside-down?” Sometimes we let our negative emotions overstay their welcome. Make a conscious effort to get out of your funk.
5.   Winning is an attitude
Coming from the generation in which contests have winners and losers, and everyone DOESN’T get a trophy, this one was harder for me. But I get the concept. Even if you didn’t come in first, what did you gain from the experience? That’s a win.
6.   Have confidence in yourself
I’m reminded of the impostor syndrome. Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve your position or an opportunity you’ve been given? That someone is going to find you out? Most of us have felt this way at one time, or may be feeling it now. It’s an unwarranted but real feeling that we need to overcome by practicing confidence. Interested in learning more? I’m speaking on the Impostor Syndrome at the December 10th MGB Digital Work & Learn Day.
7.    Optimists take more chances
Optimists believe in better outcomes, and/or more of them. If you don’t try, your odds drop to zero. The next time you feel negativity creeping in, set an example for others by giving whatever it is a try. Your odds of success increase the more times you take a chance.
8.   Everyone differs from everyone else
I’m intrigued by twins, especially identical ones. But even identical twins are unique. The best leaders don’t surround themselves with people like them; they build a team of individuals with diverse skills and thoughts to form a more well-rounded group.
9.   Courage is the willingness to attempt
Trying isn’t easy, especially trying something new. Like #7, if you don’t try, your odds of success drop to zero. Be brave and give it a try, whether it’s using new software or speaking to a room of strangers.
10. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness
Vulnerability opens yourself up to possibilities. It lacks ego.
11.  Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing
Treating others kindly, or following the rules should always put you on the right path. Even if letting a stranger in behind you into a secure area seems innocent enough, do the right thing for the safety of others. If the stranger does not have a badge, don’t let them in.
12. Be curious, not judgmental
Because people differ from one another (#8), we can learn so much (#2) if we remain open to hearing about those differences.
13.  Be a goldfish – Don’t allow one bad deed to define who you are. In less than ten seconds, forget about it like a goldfish.
Coach Lasso was a wise one. Let it go. Shake it off. You have so much more to accomplish.

Update: Right before I posted this, I learned Ted Lasso may be returning for a fourth season!