Ted Lasso The Ministry Leader

Disclaimer. This post might contain some spoilers—season 2 of Ted Lasso premiers Friday, July 23, 2021, on Apple+TV.

I’m a casual soccer fan. I’ll watch the World Cup, Gold Cup, and other big tournaments. As a kid who grew up overseas, I watched more soccer than American football, so I’ve always been drawn to it. When Ted Lasso premiered on Apple+ TV last year, I put it on my watch list, and I think you should too.

I love the show so much that I’ve watched the entire first season at least four times, and each time I watch it, I’m learning something new or thinking about how I lead differently. I’ve been obsessed with television shows before (e.g., Lost, The Walking Dead, etc.), and while this one has a lot of entertainment value, there is so much content to apply to leadership, such as:

YOU NEVER HAVE TO BE THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM

As you quickly discover, Ted Lasso does not have the experience or knowledge to coach a Premier League Football Club. The amazing thing about Coach Lasso is that he never pretends to know it all. He’s admitting to his lack of knowledge, which displays an admirable humility. But, what is most impressive is how much he leans on those around him to advise and direct his leadership.

To be an effective leader does not mean having all the answers. You might be the director, coordinator, or person in charge, but never does that mean having to know everything about your ministry. I’ve learned that the hard way, and any time I pretend to know it all, I’ve faced failure. In situations where I pretend to be the smartest, I’ve taken risks that lead to avoidable outcomes and failures.

As leaders, we need to surround ourselves with smart, talented, and gifted people. We need a team that can ask questions where they can provide or guide us to the answers. When a leader recognizes that they are not the smartest person, not only do they get the help they need, but they become an easier person to follow because humility is what we all want in our leaders.

LEADERS DON’T HAVE TO LEAD FROM PERFECTION

Similarly, leaders do not need to have it all together. One of the things that are attractive about Coach Lasso is his optimistic, goofy humor and outlook. However, as the season moves on, we recognize that he is broken and hurting like the rest of us. While he is a character full of optimism, he never tries to hide the things that are not going right. In fact, Coach Lasso shares them as if they are normal and everyone deals with it.

Displaying a facade of perfectionism is something many of us in ministry struggle with. We somehow convince ourselves that no one wants to follow someone who struggles with depression, addiction, anxiety, anger, etc. And while those are behaviors and situations that need to be addressed, when we hide them, they only grow worst.

Leaders who embrace their brokenness center themselves in prayer but also gain guidance from experts. When you have a busted pipe, you call a plumber, and when you break a bone, you see a doctor. If you are dealing with anything that you are afraid will expose your imperfections, seek help from a therapist, spiritual director, or coach. The last thing you’ll want to do is face it alone.

FAILURE HURTS MORE WHEN WE ARE ALONE

Like any good show, there are moments where Coach Lasso and the rest of AFC Richmond face adversity and fail. But, there is a great moment at the end of the show when Coach Lasso addresses the team and says, “There is something worst out there than being sad, and that is being alone and sad.” 

One of the reasons we struggle to succeed in ministry is that we continue to pursue success. We will make mistakes, face failure, and sadness. As leaders, it’s important to surround yourself with smart people and others who can accompany you on the journey. You might want to get it all figured out before you invite anyone into the journey, but it’s good to have people every step of the way.

Whether you have seen Ted Lasso or not, it’s important to recognize that leadership involves the community. Leading a ministry is so much better when you are on a team. Not only do you have people to draw the best from you, but they lift you in life’s hardships and successes.

Please leave your thoughts, comments, observations?