Lessons From Ted Lasso For High Performing Teams

First things first, everyone on the team has already tried out and proven their abilities. So for the purposes of this post, don't come at me with underperformers and how they bring the team down. That can be a post on its own.

Yes, I know that Ted Lasso is a fictional show. I also know that there's some reality there when it comes to team dynamics and Tuckman's model (Tuckman Model). So, stick with me for this ride (or don't, that's ok too).

Accountability

Hold yourselves accountable - Coach Lasso refuses to play the referee or parent in the clubhouse. When there are personality conflicts, differences of opinion, or flat out bad behavior he expects the team members to hold one another accountable. They have to speak to each other about it. They are not running to the coach to resolve the conflict. (Stay tuned for a post about feedback).

Team over Individual

No heroes, team first - It seems no matter how great Tartt played and how many goals he scored, the team was still losing. (In case you haven't watched the show, Tartt is the leading scorer, huge ego, popular player on the team but very self-centered) Rather than worship him, Coach Lasso keeps his focus on the team. Lasso encourages him to pass to Sam, to help make the players around him great, and works really hard to get to know what motivates Tartt. Teams that have a "hero" aren't usually great teams.

Trust

Be vulnerable – There is a scene where the each member of the team has to bring something personally important to put into the trash to be burned in order to get rid of the ghosts (just typing that made me laugh). What he ends up doing is creating a space for each player share something personal with the team. This vulnerability the team has with one another helps them build trust. That trust is key to them playing better together on the pitch.

So much of what Coach Lasso does isn't on the pitch at all. Most of it is done in the clubhouse when the team isn't playing in a match. He isn't instructing them on their technical practices and technique. He isn't telling them what to eat or how to build muscles. He's helping them work better together as a unit rather than individuals.