5 Management Lessons from Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso became a cultural phenomenon, and for good reason — he told us in the first season that his moustache has its own Twitter account, and it’s true (actually there are multiple). It’s heart-warming, funny, and written with undeniable humanity. Together, we root for Ted and his team.

Ostensibly about football, the true nature of the show is its characters, their journeys, and their growth. From the love-to-hate-him arrogant Jamie Tartt of the first season, to his redemption in the second season, to Nate’s shy start to later letting his fame get to his head and being ill-equipped to handle newfound respect. And the man himself, of course: Ted’s affable and disarming positivity shows some cracks through his divorce, panic attacks, and uncertainty about therapy.

These personal journeys are what the viewers love. But it’s not just surface-level entertainment: over the course of the first two seasons, there have been multiple examples of traits that any good manager should embody.

Here are 5 of them:

1. Perseverance and empathy

Lasso took a job in a field he knew nothing about. He faced ridicule, not only in the workplace but in newspapers and TV. Each week, loss after loss, he had to sit down alone and face sports journalists as they grilled him on his incompetence.

In the real world, people feel imposter syndrome for jobs they know they can actually do to a high standard. Nonetheless, the fear of failure or ridicule paralyses us, and we feel that we aren’t good enough.

But not Ted. His endless optimism made him persevere. And this is perhaps the greatest lesson: Ted Lasso didn’t walk into Richmond as a boss, he came in as a manager.

A good manager doesn’t tell people how to be good at their job; they simply create an environment that brings out the best in the team.

Ted trusted his team. As a result, there was no micro-managing or dictatorial behaviours. Instead, he gave them space to be themselves, to find their role and resolve their differences (even refusing to step in and attempt to defuse a bullying situation, through awareness that it could amplify the problem), offering a guiding hand and a story of wisdom where needed. His role allowed those around him to flourish and to feel safe being themselves, even taking a moral stand against the team’s sponsors.

2. Make hard decisions

Don’t be fooled by his apparent relaxed style and happy go lucky mannerisms, Ted isn’t afraid to make big decisions. We saw this in the first season when, despite being the club’s best chance at winning crucial games to avoid relegation, Ted put star striker Jamie Tartt on the sub bench because his attitude was disruptive. With this decision, Ted made a powerful statement that team unity was more important than results.

In the second season, Ted brought Jamie back to the club because he knew that the star had been humbled by life experience, an undesirable family life meant he needed the familial support of the club, and was in a place to be an asset to the team. And he knew this decision would be met with anger by the other players, but that it was still the best thing overall.

He also introduced us to his alter-ego, Led Tasso, a creation literally designed to be deeply unpleasant in order to unite the team.

3. Knowing where you need support

Ted doesn’t try to do everything himself. Nor does he take credit for the ideas and actions of those around him.

This isn’t an insecure boss who needs to do everything by himself to prove his worth. The Diamond Dogs meetings are proof of this. Ted’s willingness to let Nate pitch a game plan in season one is proof of this. And his eagerness to talk to others and ask for advice is proof of this.

In episode 7 of season two, after Nate apologises to Colin for his scatching crtiticism, an exchange takes place between Ted and Beard:

Ted: “Did I miss something?”

Beard: Nods

Ted: “Anything I need to address?”

Beard: Shakes head

Ted trusted Beard’s judgement of the situation and didn’t feel the need to impose himself in a situation just because he’s The Boss.

Take a lesson from Ted: know when you need some support and that others around you can help to solve problems.

4. Make biscuits

In the early episodes, Ted simply didn’t take no for an answer. He didn’t have a steely look of determination and an “I’ll show them” attitude, instead he went the “kill ’em with kindness” route.

Ted clearly knows the power and importance of the human connection, so each day he would take biscuits to his boss to build a rapport. Quickly, he got through the barriers. His boss and those around her were won over by his endless charm and infinite smile (and delicious biscuits).

5. Be a good deputy

Ted’s leadership lessons also extend beyond the man himself. As lesson one stated, a good manager creates an environment in which to flourish.

Early in the second season, Ted’s anxiety forced him off the pitch during a match. Coach Nate had been visibly concerned that his position in the club was under threat due to the arrival of Roy Kent to the coaching squad. At this critical moment, instead of shrinking into himself and hoping it would all be okay, he rose to the occasion. Nate took control, made a bold and risky decision, and it paid off. He was the man of the hour, and his position is secured.

The Nate of the early episodes wouldn’t have made this call. The growth and development of this character is a result of Ted, Rebecca and Keeley.

The lesson here is to take your shot when it presents itself, don’t always ask for permission, and don’t shy away from a chance to prove yourself.

Next time you’re stuck with a management decision, ask WWTLD — What Would Ted Lasso Do?

Most likely, he’d think bigger than himself, recruit those around him to share their ideas, and not be deterred by setbacks.