10 Ways Ted Lasso Gives a Masterclass in Compassionate Leadership

I’m late to the Lasso party, but am I ever happy I made it! The main character Ted Lasso, an American hired to coach a Premier soccer team in England, reminds us all what great leadership looks like. I summarized 10 ways I want to be just like Lasso below.

10 ways Ted Lasso Gives a Masterclass in Compassionate Leadership:

1.       He knows everyone’s name.

From the equipment manager to the owner, Lasso genuinely cares about his team and makes every person feel valued.

2.       He values everyone’s opinion.

Lasso actively listens to input from everyone on his team, makes a decision, then takes action.

3.       He pushes people out of their comfort zones.

He sees potential and looks for ways to develop the people around him.

4.       He makes his team feel safe.

He listens to his team and builds trust by helping them work through healthy conflict, being vulnerable, and staying calm under pressure.

5.       He doesn’t pretend to know it all.

Lasso is no soccer expert, but he surrounds himself with people who are. He empowers them to do what they do best, so he can focus on his strengths.

6.       He doesn’t tolerate drama.

Lasso takes immediate action to prevent toxic behavior from infecting his team and empowers them to do the same.

7.       He asks great questions.

He calmly asks questions that ignite an empathetic response or will help his team develop insights to solve their own problems.

8.       He doesn’t judge.

He treats everyone he meets with respect and compassion, taking time to listen and understand the reasons behind their behavior.

9.       He gives people the credit they deserve.

Lasso happily celebrates and credits others when they have great ideas.

10.   He makes tough decisions.

Being compassionate takes strength. He benches the team’s best player to ultimately help the team and show that player the value of teamwork.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch the show yet, do yourself a favor. It’s inspiring, hilarious, and you’ll get free leadership coaching! Jason Sudeikis recently won a Golden Globe for his kick-ass performance as Ted Lasso and he deserved it.