Ted Lasso: A Story of Leadership and Belief
“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”
— Ted Lasso
Are you ready to explore the inspiring world of Ted Lasso? This smash-hit TV series has taken the sports world by storm with its refreshing take on coaching and mental health. Follow the hilarious journey of an American football coach, Ted Lasso, as he lands a job coaching an English soccer team despite having no experience in the sport. But don’t let that fool you — this show is about so much more than just football!
One of the standout themes of Ted Lasso is his unique approach to leadership — servant leadership. This leadership style is all about focusing on empathy and care for team members, listening to their concerns, and providing emotional support. Ted takes the time to build relationships with each player, fostering a sense of trust and respect that allows everyone to work together towards a common goal. He encourages his team members to take ownership of their roles, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. By focusing on empowering others and fostering a positive team culture, servant leadership creates an environment where everyone is motivated to work together towards a shared vision. It’s no wonder that practicing this approach leads to increased trust, interpersonal relationships, and active innovation and engagement!
With the constant pressure to perform at their best, professional athletes are no strangers to anxiety and stress. With meticulous precision, Lasso orchestrates the breaking down of colossal goals into bite-sized morsels of achievement. This masterful approach transforms their minds into fortified fortresses, impervious to the overwhelming weight of expectations.
But what about failure? Failure is inevitable in any journey towards success, and it’s no different in the world of sports. Ted Lasso and his team experience many setbacks and failures throughout the series, but they learn to use these experiences as opportunities for growth and improvement. They practise self-compassion and reflection, reframing failure as a learning opportunity to bounce back stronger and more resilient than before.
In the series, we also see the importance of having a strong support system. The players rely on each other for support and encouragement, while Ted seeks guidance and support from his friends and family. Building a support system of friends, family, coaches, and teammates can help athletes deal with the ups and downs of competition and provide a sense of belonging and connection. They learn to reach out for help and guidance when needed and be a supportive teammate, offering encouragement to others. For example, when Colin struggles with being unable to share his whole identity with respect to his sexual preference and orientation due to the fear of being judged or rejected by the community, the entire team and the staff including Ted extend their support through acceptance, love and understanding.
Finally, the show highlights the importance of taking care of oneself mentally and physically. The players engage in self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and therapy, and they’re encouraged to speak openly about their struggles with mental health. Prioritising self-care practices, being open and honest about mental health struggles, and encouraging others to do the same are all essential for maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, Ted Lasso is not just a hilarious TV series about football; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of servant leadership, managing pressure, reframing failure, building a support system, and prioritising mental health and wellbeing.
— Parijath Parimal, Behavioural Foresight
