Ted Lasso’s Playbook for Leadership: Empathy, Unity, and Forgiveness

Ted Lasso, the protagonist of the Emmy-winning television series Ted Lasso, exemplifies leadership traits that resonate deeply with viewers across the globe. His journey as an American football coach leading an English soccer team transcends sports, offering profound lessons in fostering relationships, building trust, and inspiring growth. Below are three key takeaways from his leadership style.

Genuine Care and Concern for People

One of Ted Lasso's defining qualities is his unwavering care for those around him. From the very first scene, Ted demonstrates this by asking the limo driver’s name and refusing to let him carry his bags—small gestures that emphasize valuing people. This sets the tone for his leadership philosophy: making others feel noticed and appreciated. His attention to detail extends to seemingly mundane tasks, like fixing the team’s showers, which underscores his belief that respecting people starts with addressing their basic needs. In my own workplace, we’ve adopted similar practices by focusing on small but meaningful improvements: ensuring a clean building, providing free coffee and drinks, and even upgrading to two-ply toilet paper in the bathrooms. These simple signals of respect help establish a culture where employees feel valued.

Ted’s daily ritual of “Biscuits with the Boss” exemplifies his commitment to relationship-building. By spending time with Rebecca Welton, AFC Richmond's owner, he fosters trust and mutual understanding. His respect extends to everyone in the organization, from Rebecca to Nate Shelley, who starts as a kit man. Ted buys Nate a suit for a banquet and later treats him with dignity even after Nate betrays him—a testament to Ted's belief in forgiveness and second chances. As Ted says, “It’s not about wins and losses; it’s about helping these young men become the best versions of themselves.” This philosophy mirrors effective leadership in workplaces and families, where leaders focus on empowering individuals to recognize their strengths and talents.

In my experience as a leader, I have found that helping others cultivate their best selves is how I achieve my own best. People are at the center of building a great organization; they are the sun gear in my model because everything revolves around them. Focusing on people first is the foundation of creating a winning culture.

Building Team Bonding and Unity

Ted understands that success comes from teamwork rather than individual brilliance. His humorous analogy—likening his teams to his mother’s bathing suit, “one piece”—illustrates his commitment to fostering unity within AFC Richmond. He transforms “me” into “us,” creating a culture of togetherness.

One of Ted's standout moments is when he encourages Roy Kent, the team’s captain, to address Jamie Tartt’s attitude issues. Advice from a teammate often carries more weight than from a coach—a dynamic I’ve seen in my own organization when peers address issues like tardiness among coworkers. Peer-to-peer accountability often resonates more deeply than directives from management.

Ted also knows when decisive action is necessary; for example, he benches Jamie during a game for acting out, earning respect from the team for holding everyone accountable. At halftime during another game, he acknowledges that “we are broken” but emphasizes that embracing change is essential for moving forward—a powerful reminder that growth often comes through discomfort.

At the season’s end, after losing a big game, Ted tells the team he’s grateful to experience this sad moment with them. Similarly, I have learned that bonding and unity do not just emerge from good times but are often forged through challenges. In our organization, difficult moments like windstorms or water breaks have strengthened our team’s cohesion.

Have Kindness in Your Heart and Be Forgiving

As rewarding as people can be, they can also be difficult—making mistakes or betraying trust. Ted Lasso exemplifies kindness and forgiveness throughout the series. Despite facing criticism from players, fans, and media early on, Ted remains optimistic and refuses to let negativity affect him.

When Rebecca confesses her ulterior motives for hiring him as coach, Ted instantly forgives her, a powerful act of grace that strengthens their bond. Similarly, after Jamie Tartt disrupts locker room harmony and later defeats AFC Richmond as an opponent, Ted still sends him an encouraging note: “Way to make that extra pass.” Eventually, Ted brings Jamie back onto the team.

Even after Nate betrays him despite numerous opportunities given by Ted, he shows no ill will toward Nate and eventually welcomes him back as a coach. Coach Beard reveals that he too had wronged Ted in the past but was given another chance—a testament to Ted’s belief in redemption.

Forgiveness isn’t just about letting go of grievances; it is about creating space for growth and second chances. In leadership roles I’ve held, I’ve seen how extending grace can transform relationships and inspire loyalty. People make mistakes, it is inevitable, but leaders who respond with kindness foster environments where individuals feel safe to learn and grow.

Ted Lasso's leadership style is a masterclass in empathy, positivity, humility, and forgiveness—all traits that resonate deeply in organizational settings. By focusing on people first, fostering unity through shared experiences (both good and bad), and leading with kindness even in challenging situations, we can build cultures where individuals thrive both personally and professionally.

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