Team player level Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso is hired into english football as a coach with the only thing riding on his side is his ability to work with people and an optimistic leadership style. And as it turns out these qualities are extremely effective in a team sport like football.

My favourite dynamic in the series is Ted Lasso and the club kitman Nathan Shelley. Nathan Shelley has no formal training in football but like most football fans has very strong (and useful) opinions about his team. Ted who happens to be a bit of a beginner in football himself values useful opinions from anywhere and everywhere. Doesnt matter where they come from. The guy is a learning machine and willing to learn from anyone and anyhow. For a newly hired coach to be open to learning from the the kitman, he has to have absolutely no ego, just an ability to consider any and all suggestions objectively.

Ted lasso understands his role really well which is to make sure his club is successful. Hes not hired to prove that his is the best manager in the world or that is he a great coach, etc.. All he cares about is the team above all. He has zero credit seeking inclinations, he just does his job well and moves on with his life.

My favourite scene in the series is Nate’s locker room roast. Nathon writes down some harsh honest thoughts about each player on the team and passes them to Ted. Ted in classic style isnt thinking about who delivers the message to the players. He only cares about whos best qualified or who will be the most effective in delivering the message to the players. Ted believes that Nate has the credibility and insight to deliver the message effectively. So to Nathan’s surprise, Ted asks him to deliver his thoughts which he obviously nails and AFC Richmond win their next game. Ted did what a real team player would do which is recognize and empower other people’s strengths.

Ted makes all this look very easy but hes mastered some fundamental qualities to do this. Letting go of any ego. Focusing on getting the job done over personal accolades and credit. Being will to learn from anyone, regardless of the credit. Thinking of oneself as just a medium to do the work. Always putting the team above yourself. Separating the ownership of the outcome from the ownership of the credit.

Ultimately being a team player is not about making yourself smaller its about making your team bigger. Dont prove that you are the smartest, prove that the smartest ideas can win.