“Be Curious, Not Judgemental.” When Coach Ted Lasso dropped this golden line, it wasn’t just a witty remark; it was a masterclass in leadership in one sentence. With charm, humility, and unwavering optimism, Ted Lasso—the American football coach turned English soccer manager—offers more than just laughs. He unknowingly becomes the blueprint for authentic and effective leadership, one kind gesture at a time.
For those unfamiliar, Ted Lasso is a heartwarming comedy series that follows an American coach hired to manage an English Premier League soccer team, despite knowing nothing about the sport. What could have been a complete disaster turns into an inspiring journey filled with deep lessons in empathy, resilience, and human connection. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a playbook for anyone looking to become a better leader, whether you’re managing a corporate team, running a classroom, or navigating remote work dynamics.
10 Leadership Lessons to Learn from Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso’s leadership style may seem unconventional, but that’s exactly what makes it so effective. He leads with heart, listens with intent, and empowers those around him. Let’s dive into 10 powerful leadership lessons from Ted Lasso that can reshape how you lead your team, on and off the field.
1. Lead with Empathy
Ted doesn’t try to “fix” people—he understands them. He listens to their stories, validates their feelings, and gives them the space to grow. Great leaders don’t lead from a pedestal; they walk alongside their teams with compassion.
2. Believe in Your People
Even when others doubt his team, Ted believes in them. He doesn’t just see what they are; he sees what they can be. Believing in your people fuels their confidence and performance—an essential leadership tip for creating high-performing teams.
3. Stay Optimistic, Even When It’s Tough
When things go wrong (and they often do), Ted never loses his cool. His relentless optimism is infectious. A positive attitude, especially during challenges, can keep morale high and inspire perseverance.
4. Embrace Vulnerability
Ted is not afraid to admit when he’s struggling—he talks openly about his mental health. By doing this, he shows that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength. Leaders who are human and honest build stronger trust with their teams.
5. Communicate Clearly and Kindly
From locker room talks to one-on-one check-ins, Ted uses clear, kind, and encouraging communication. Leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about building understanding and alignment.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Ted knows how to celebrate even the smallest victories. This not only boosts morale but reinforces a culture of appreciation. Recognizing progress—no matter how small—keeps momentum going.
7. Don’t Let Ego Get in the Way
Unlike many traditional coaches, Ted doesn’t lead with ego. He welcomes feedback, admits when he doesn’t know something, and gives credit freely. Humility is at the core of the Ted Lasso leadership style.
8. Encourage Teamwork Over Individual Glory
Ted always emphasizes the importance of the team over the individual. True leadership is about uniting people with different strengths and guiding them toward a common goal.
9. Invest in Relationships
Ted spends time getting to know his players—not just as athletes, but as people. He remembers birthdays, builds personal connections, and creates a culture of belonging. Relationships are the foundation of strong leadership.
10. Keep Learning and Growing
Despite knowing nothing about soccer, Ted is always open to learning. He listens, reads, and asks questions. Great leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers—they remain curious and adaptable.
Why Does Ted Lasso’s Leadership Style Work in Every Workplace?
What makes Ted Lasso leadership lessons so universal is that they don’t rely on industry knowledge or technical skills—they rely on people skills. Whether you’re a CEO, a project manager, or a team lead, these tips from Ted Lasso are applicable in boardrooms, classrooms, startups, and remote teams.
In an era of burnout, quiet quitting, and disengaged teams, Ted’s approach feels like a breath of fresh air. He teaches us that kindness isn’t a weakness, positivity isn’t naivety, and vulnerability isn’t unprofessional. These are the very traits that make a leader relatable, resilient, and respected.
Moreover, Ted Lasso’s leadership style helps us remember that how you lead often matters more than what you know. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where others feel safe, seen, and supported enough to find their own.
Final Thoughts: Be a Goldfish
One of the most iconic leadership tips from the show is when Ted tells a struggling player, “You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory.”
This isn’t just a funny line—it’s a valuable piece of advice. Leaders need to let go of past mistakes (their own and others’) and stay focused on the present. Forgiveness, both of self and others, creates a psychologically safe space where people can innovate, fail, learn, and grow. Ultimately, Ted Lasso isn’t just a character—he’s a reminder of what leadership should look like: human, heartfelt, and hopeful.
