Ted Lasso Is Back—and Leaders Should Be Taking Notes

If you know me, you know I can take just about anything—a television show, a family moment, a team meeting—and find the leadership story in it. Ted Lasso gives me plenty to work with!

I absolutely love this show.

A friend told me about it a few years ago, and since then, I’ve watched the series more times than I can count.

Apparently, everyone else discovered it during COVID—when we were all stuck at home and desperately needed something good to watch. I missed that wave because I was busy navigating work and virtual learning. (Uugghhh. IYKYK.)

But now, as I consult with organizations and help leaders navigate increasingly complex workplace challenges, I’m watching it with fresh eyes—and I’m convinced Ted Lasso is one of the best leadership shows on television.

With the new season here, these three lessons stand out to me:

1. Curiosity is a leadership discipline—not simply a personality trait.Ted’s willingness to ask questions allows him to see beyond people’s behavior and understand what may be driving it. Strong leaders don’t rush to label someone as difficult, resistant, or disengaged. They get curious enough to discover what’s underneath—and wise enough to recognize that understanding someone does not mean avoiding accountability.

2. Culture is created in the moments that seem too small to matter.Culture isn’t defined by a values statement, annual retreat, or perfectly designed presentation. It is built through what leaders notice, what they tolerate, how they respond when someone struggles, and whether people feel safe enough to tell the truth. The smallest leadership moments often communicate the biggest messages.

3. Belief is powerful—but belief without accountability is incomplete.Ted sees possibility in people before they can always see it in themselves. But the show also reminds us that encouragement cannot replace honest feedback, clear expectations, or difficult decisions. Great leadership holds both: I believe in who you can become, and I care enough to be honest about what must change.

That combination—curiosity, intentional culture-building, and compassionate accountability—is what so many workplaces need right now.

Now tell me: Have you watched Ted Lasso? What leadership lesson has stayed with you?

Let me know in the comments.

#TedLasso #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #OrganizationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment