Optimists Take More Chances: Lessons from Ted Lasso on Leadership
“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing”
I love Ted Lasso. Entertaining with some real world life lesson messages woven into it. Beyond the laughs and positive vibes, it offered deep insights into leadership.
Ted Lasso isn’t just a feel-good tv show. It’s a masterclass in leadership, people-first thinking, and how to stay true to your values even when the odds are against you.
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible leaders and mentors who’ve shaped my career. I like to think of them as my own Ted Lasso, and I hope to pay that guidance forward to future generations.
Ted Lasso spoiler alert:
Nate explodes in the Season 2 finale.
He doesn’t just criticise, he unloads his frustration, blame, and betrayal. And for anyone watching closely, it’s clear this wasn’t about game strategy. It was about something deeper. Feeling Unseen. Unheard. Discarded.
That moment stuck with me because I’ve seen it in real life.
It’s not just about what happened. It’s about what it represented.
Brené Brown might say it’s a values thing. When someone reacts strongly, it’s often because a core value (belonging, respect, integrity) got stepped on. And when that happens, the emotional volume rises.
What to Look For in a Leader (The Ted Lasso Way)
Drawing inspiration from Ted Lasso's incredible wisdom, here are some invaluable traits to consider when you're choosing who to work for, or even just evaluating the leaders around you:
Sincerity: Does their genuine care for their team shine through? A sincere leader builds trust.
Teachable Spirit: Do they remain open to learning, even from those they lead? A boss who stays teachable fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Sees Good in Others: Do they focus on your strengths and potential, rather than just your flaws? This kind of positive reinforcement is invaluable.
Optimism: Do they approach challenges with a belief in positive outcomes? Optimists take more chances, and they inspire you to do the same.
Self-Confidence: Do they have faith in their own abilities and decisions? This translates into steady leadership.
Values Vulnerability: Do they see vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness? A leader who is human and open creates space for you to be human too.
Champions Doing the Right Thing: Is their moral compass clear and unwavering? Knowing your leader consistently strives to do what's right provides a strong ethical foundation.
Curiosity, Not Judgement: Do they seek to understand rather than immediately judge? A curious boss helps you learn and grow from mistakes.
Fosters Resilience (Be a Goldfish!): Do they help you move past setbacks quickly? A leader who encourages a "goldfish memory" for mistakes prevents them from defining you.
Ultimately, choosing your boss, or recognising the qualities of a good one, is about understanding the kind of environment you want to work in. It's about finding someone who embodies these principles, who sees your potential, and who helps you navigate the ups and downs of your career with courage and optimism.
