Ted Lasso isn't just a TV show about soccer (or football, if you prefer). It's a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the potential of positivity. While Ted might be an unconventional coach with no prior experience in the sport, his approach to team building, personal growth, and problem-solving resonates far beyond the field. Whether you're a superfan or just looking for career and leadership inspiration, here are some of the most valuable lessons we can learn from Ted Lasso’s unique and heartwarming style.

1. Lead with Positivity and Kindness

Ted Lasso’s secret weapon isn’t a sophisticated playbook or an encyclopedic knowledge of soccer—it’s his unwavering positivity. He believes in his team and treats every individual with respect, even in the face of challenges. This approach creates a foundation of trust and support.

How to Apply It:

  • Create A Positive Work Culture: Be that approachable leader or team member who encourages others, celebrates wins (big or small), and lifts colleagues during tough times.
  • Give Constructive Feedback: When offering criticism, frame it in a way that uplifts rather than discourages. Highlight strengths while addressing areas for improvement.

Remember, positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about facing them with optimism and belief in your ability to succeed together.

2. Resilience is Key to Progress

Ted’s resilience is one of his defining traits. Whether he faces skepticism, personal struggles, or losses on the field, he keeps moving forward with determination and an eye on the bigger picture. This resilience keeps his team united and motivated.

How to Apply It:

  • Bounce Back From Failures: Setbacks, whether professional or personal, are part of growth. Instead of seeing failure as the end, view it as a stepping stone to improvement and success.
  • Manage Stress Gracefully: Even under pressure, Ted never loses his cool. Practice stress-management techniques like staying present, leaning on your support network, or breaking big challenges into smaller, achievable tasks.
  • Stay Focused on Your Goals: When life gets overwhelming, anchor yourself to your vision and values, just as Ted maintains his belief in the team's potential despite setbacks.

3. Build Strong Relationships

Ted understands that teams succeed when their relationships are strong. He makes the effort to connect with everyone—from players and support staff to skeptical bosses—on a meaningful level. His genuine empathy encourages his team to work harder for both him and each other.

How to Apply It:

  • Foster Collaboration: Focus on building real connections with colleagues or employees by showing interest in their lives and goals. A little empathy can go a long way in creating an environment where people feel valued.
  • Be Inclusive and Supportive: Like Ted, strive to ensure that every "team member" feels seen and heard. An inclusive approach builds trust and loyalty in any setting.
  • Mentor and Empower Others: Look for opportunities to guide others. Helping someone grow not only strengthens your leadership but also creates long-term value for your team or organization.

4. Stay Humble and Open to Learning

One of Ted’s most admirable qualities is his humility. He openly acknowledges that he’s out of his depth in soccer coaching, yet he remains eager to learn and sidelines his ego to seek help from others.

How to Apply It:

  • Admit What You Don’t Know: Nobody has all the answers, and that’s okay. Demonstrating openness to learning fosters respect and invites collaboration.
  • Seek Out Expertise: Surround yourself with people who have knowledge and skills you lack, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice or guidance.
  • Commit to Lifelong Learning: Whether it’s pursuing new professional certifications, gaining insights from colleagues, or finding inspiration in unusual places, there’s always an opportunity to grow.

5. Celebrate Teamwork Over Individuality

Ted constantly reminds his team that success doesn't come from superstar moves but collective effort. He instills a “team first” mentality that inspires players to put aside egos and focus on shared goals.

How to Apply It:

  • Encourage Collaboration: Whether leading a team at work or contributing as a member yourself, emphasize shared accountability and celebrate group achievements over individual wins.
  • Break Down Silos: Create a work environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, strategies, and responsibilities with each other rather than working in isolation.
  • Recognize All Contributors: Following Ted’s example, appreciate everyone for their role—whether they’re scoring goals or keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

6. Believe in People (and Yourself)

Ted’s belief in his players, even when they doubted themselves, is central to his success. He knows that confidence can be transformative. He also demonstrates self-belief, stepping into an unfamiliar role and trusting his ability to rise to the challenge.

How to Apply It:

  • Empower Others: Encourage the potential you see in your team, whether it’s a new hire who’s nervous about a big project or a teammate struggling to meet expectations.
  • Cultivate Self-Confidence: Believe in your ability to learn, adapt, and succeed. Confidence doesn’t mean you won’t be afraid—it means you’ll take action anyway.
  • Focus on Progress: Encourage both yourself and others to prioritize growth over perfection, trusting that small improvements build toward long-term success.

7. Stay True to Your Values

Throughout the series, Ted stays committed to his values—even when faced with challenges that might pressure him to compromise. His kindness, integrity, and empathy stay at the heart of his leadership.

How to Apply It:

  • Define Your Core Values: Take time to understand what matters most to you as a professional and leader, whether it’s integrity, creativity, teamwork, or something else. Use those values to guide your decisions.
  • Make Authentic Choices: Stay true to yourself even when easier or more lucrative paths might tempt you to stray. Authenticity will earn you respect and keep you aligned with your goals.
  • Lead By Example: Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate your values in your day-to-day behavior to inspire trust and admiration.

Bring Some “Ted” Into Your Life

You don’t need to be a soccer coach to embody Ted Lasso's lessons. Focus on creating a positive environment, valuing teamwork, and staying resilient, humble, and open to growth. Lead with compassion, maintain belief in yourself and others, and approach every challenge with a can-do spirit. Whether you’re navigating your career, managing a team, or simply striving for personal success, a little Ted-inspired optimism and determination can help you conquer it all. After all, as Ted Lasso says, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you're comfortable while doing it, you're probably doing it wrong!"