Business Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I'd never even heard of the TV Show Ted Lasso. I'd been listening to a radio show where the presenter who'd also just discovered it was touting it as one of the best programs he'd ever seen. Curious to see what it was all about, I started on episode 1 that evening and have been hooked ever since. 

As season 1 unfolded, I found myself falling in love with the main character and his unusual Leadership style. An American Football Coach brought over here to the UK to coach a Premiership Football Side but it got me thinking, there's a lot of lessons here in Leadership that many of us here in the printing industry should be adopting. 

Here are some of my key takeaways so far:

1. Leadership with Empathy
Ted Lasso leads with kindness, understanding, and genuine care for his team members. In business, understanding and empathising with employees can lead to a more motivated and productive team.

2. Building a Positive Culture
Ted focuses on creating a positive and inclusive culture within the team. In the workplace, fostering a supportive and positive environment can enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

3. Resilience and Optimism
Ted's unwavering optimism, even in the face of adversity, highlights the importance of resilience. In business, maintaining a positive attitude can help navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively.

4. The Power of Communication
Ted emphasises open and honest communication with his team. In business, clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster a collaborative work environment.

5. Embrace Change and Adaptability
Despite not knowing much about football, Ted embraces the challenge and adapts to the new environment. In business, being open to change and adaptable can lead to growth and innovation.

6. Focus on Personal Growth
Ted helps his players grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. Encouraging personal development in the workplace can lead to more well-rounded and satisfied employees.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration
Ted instills a sense of teamwork and unity within the team. In business, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone works towards common goals can lead to greater success.

8. Celebrate Small Wins
Ted often celebrates small victories, understanding their importance in building momentum. In business, recognising and celebrating small achievements can boost morale and motivation. 

9. Lead by Example
Ted exemplifies integrity, hard work, and positivity. Leaders in business should lead by example to inspire their teams to follow suit.

10. Handling Criticism Gracefully
Ted handles criticism with grace and humility. In business, being open to feedback and using it constructively can lead to continuous improvement.

11. Invest in Relationships
Ted builds strong, genuine relationships with his team members. In business, investing in relationships with employees, clients, and partners can lead to long-term success.

12. Humility and Accountability
Ted acknowledges his mistakes and learns from them. In business, being humble and accountable can foster a culture of trust and continuous learning.

13. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Ted often focuses on long-term development rather than immediate results. In business, keeping an eye on the bigger picture can help in making strategic decisions that benefit the organisation in the long run.

14. Encourage Creativity and Innovation
Ted encourages his team to think creatively and come up with new strategies. In business, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are valued can lead to breakthroughs and competitive advantage.

15. Persistence and Determination
Ted's persistence, despite numerous challenges, underscores the importance of determination. In business, persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

If you've not come across this wonderful show yet, I highly encourage you to check it out. I think we could all learn a bit from Ted Lasso.