Post #63 - The Ted Lasso School of Management

This is a follow up on my last blog post regarding humble leaders (We Need More Humble Leaders, 10.29.20). We have had so many examples of charismatic, "out front", and yes, usually narcissistic leaders, running big companies that we seem to have forgotten, from a research standpoint (i.e., cre​ating long term value), they aren’t actually very good for business. So, when I see the depiction of a humble leader in a new (fantastic) TV show, pardon me if I get a little excited.
 
I have spent my career working in organizations to help make their systems and people more effective, productive and healthy. Of course, this involves working with leaders and teams over time to help them envision and execute on the impact they want to make. So, when I started watching the newish series, Ted Lasso, on Apple TV, I was so delighted. 
 
I am not going to give you the plot, except to say that Ted is hired to coach an English football team by the ex-wife of the prior owner, to ensure that the team fails. Ted is a coach from the United States and coaches American Football but knows literally nothing about soccer.
 
Ted Lasso’s management style summarizes many of my beliefs about leading others:

• People need you to be consistently positive. This doesn’t mean you don’t get frustrated and share this. But the consistent theme is a positive, future focused outlook. We are living in a time of exceptional shame, blame and judgement. Social media is a major contributor to this, but so are when we accept it or “like” it. The problem is that it is ineffective for leaders because it’s demotivating to the human spirit. Period. 
• Working with really skillful, smart people means that you don’t need to know as much as they do, but you need to know how to inspire and motivate them. You need to understand what they care about and what matters to them. You need to care about them and know how to communicate this in word and deed. 
• Yes, you do need to be interested in learning about and becoming more knowledgeable. But this is usually secondary to being able to bring out the best contribution from others. 
• You need to be able to share and show your vulnerability. You don’t need to the smartest person in the room. You need to be the best at leveraging that from others.
• You are clear on your deepest held values, and you live them. Amongst them you are kind to others. You have good emotional intelligence: demonstrate strong self-awareness and empathy for others and you know how to self-regulate. 
• You know you can’t do everything by yourself. You depend upon and include others, you create trust.
• And finally, you know that expanding your range, learning new skills or ways of being and communicating is uncomfortable and, at least, equally rewarding. 

 
"Takin’ on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong." — Ted Lasso
 
Yes, it’s only a TV show, it’s not real life. But TV often serves as a mirror to what is happening and being celebrated in our society.  I am hoping that this will be a real trend in 2021: we revere healthy, humble, successful and caring leaders who role model goodness in corporate life. Believe!
 
Moira Clarke founded Leadership Consulting Partners (almost) 21 years ago to help companies advance their leadership and people systems and create healthier workplaces. If you are reading this to the end, and you find value, please say so and share with others on LinkedIn and Twitter. Thank you!