Be Curious, Not Judgmental

Like so many of my friends, I’ve loved the show “Ted Lasso” and am sad that its sweet portrayal of grace, purpose, and growth is over. In the beginning, we suspect that Ted’s bound to fail—that his kind, folksy style hides incompetence and naivete, that he doesn’t have what it takes to manage a professional and wayward soccer team. Along the way, we see that he leads intentionally with a deep humility that ultimately creates a culture of deep affection and success.  

In every episode, he helps his fellow characters understand themselves better, growing into what he calls “the best version of themselves.” Amid second chances, embarrassments, and losses, they all find their way. He has coached them from the literal and figurative sideline with no expectation of praise and prestige. And how tempting that would be after all the abuse he suffers from his own team, the fans, and the press!

His risk-taking on and off the field--often at his own expense—proves he’s a leader with integrity who believes in the potential of something greater, something more meaningful than any short-term win. One of the last scenes, in which each team member reveals their own piece of the torn “Believe” sign to re-make the whole, is an incredibly meaningful tribute to and symbol of Ted’s real purpose.

And in what is perhaps the most significant leadership lesson of all, we are taken on Ted’s personal journey, where he learns he will not only survive trauma, anxiety, and grief, but grow. His vulnerability, willingness to ask for help, and eventual resilience are examples for all of us. He asks us to be “curious and not judgmental” toward others—and toward ourselves. Ted is the servant leader who is devoted to the true growth of his community, to creating a culture of humility and shared power and purpose.  

As Ted writes to Trent Crimm, the journalist who is writing the book about the Lasso Way: “One small suggestion… I’d change the title. It’s not about me. It never was.” 

https://tinyurl.com/lassoway