Ted Lasso Can Teach You More About Entrepreneurship Than a $200K Business Degree Meet your new mentor, Ted Lasso.
By Brad Klune Edited by Dan Bova
Key Takeaways
- Ah, Ted Lasso. He may not have come from a background in business or entrepreneurship, but the fan-favorite fictional coach has a lot to offer when it comes to managing and leading a startup. One of the most beloved characters on television today (yes, even more than Steve Carell’s Michael Scott!), Ted is full of wisdom – lessons that can benefit every entrepreneur and small business owner as they strive for success.
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So forget about Harvard Business School. You've already got everything you need courtesy of this inspiring figure! If Ted doesn't do it for you, you can always find experienced entrepreneurs through Intro.
Here are 10 lessons you can pull from Ted Lasso:
1. Believe in yourself.
College football to professional soccer coach had never been done. Ted knows he can motivate and inspire players toward a common goal.
Your company has never been built.
As Ted says, "I mean, the same, but different."
Related: Book a one-on-one video call with an expert to launch or grow your business
2. Be adaptable.
Losing Jamie Tartt to Man City after the ghost cleansing ceremony was heartbreaking.
You must adapt quickly to succeed. This flexibility is crucial for entrepreneurs who often face unexpected challenges and need to pivot their plans.
3. Build a strong team.
Nate went from waterboy to the mastermind with a playbook.
As an entrepreneur, assemble a team that complements your skills to help you achieve your goals.
4. Communicate effectively.
Ted is a master at communication.
Whether he's giving a pep talk to his team, managing up with Rebecca, or winning over Trent Crimm's heart.
Communication is crucial to building and maintaining relationships.
5. Embrace failure.
Ted is not afraid to take risks.
As an entrepreneur, it's important to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process and use it as an opportunity to improve.
You need to be willing to fail to learn and grow.
Related: Book a one-on-one video call with a top business coach
6. Stay positive.
"If that's a joke, I love it. If not, can't wait to unpack that with you later."
Ted is known for his upbeat attitude and positive outlook. He inspires and motivates those around him.
7. Be resilient.
"For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field."
Entrepreneurs must bounce back from setbacks and continue moving forward.
Focus on inputs.
Related: Book a one-on-one video call with a productivity expert now
8. Take care of yourself.
Ted has panic attacks. We learn the root of his anxiety is trauma from his father's suicide.
Self-care needs to be a priority or you can break.
9. Be genuine.
Real talk: Ted Lasso is a weird dude.
AND WE LOVE HIM.
Be your authentic self. It builds trust and rapport.
10. Have fun.
Roy Kent reminds the new captain Isaac to stop taking things so seriously and remember why he started playing the sport. For fun.
Entrepreneurship has challenges and crazy pressures. Don't lose sight that this is supposed to be fun.
Just a bonus for anyone that needed this today from Danny Rojas, "Na Na Na Na Na Na, Danny Rojas, Danny Rojas!!! Danny, Danny! Danny Rojas!!!"
