I was slow to pick up on Ted Lasso when it debuted on Apple+, but it quickly became one of my favorite television shows of all time. Its titular character, Ted Lasso, embodies a type of leadership that I think we can all learn from; one that leads through principles, remains curious, and focuses on development, sometimes even at the detriment of results by traditional metrics.
Ted is, of course, a fictional character, and the outcomes driven by his leadership style are the results of writers, not real-world trials. However, Jason Sudeikis and the creative team behind the show built him on principles that resonate because they tap into enduring truths about leadership and growth. Ted’s success is not due to tactics or luck but to a philosophy of thoughtful action—a real-world concept known as praxis.
The Coach with a Philosophy
Praxis means “thoughtful doing,” the fusion of belief and action in a way where the process itself has intrinsic value. Ted Lasso’s coaching style might seem naïve at first glance: he knows little about English football, he is relentlessly optimistic, and he values relationships over results. But the deeper story is how his belief in people, combined with a willingness to act on those beliefs, drives real transformation.
How does this simple philosophy create genuine growth? The answer lies in how Ted blends values, learning, and ethical leadership into an approach that cultivates both individual and collective flourishing.
Ted’s Core Beliefs
Ted Lasso operates from a set of core beliefs that guide his every decision:
Optimism: He assumes positive intent and believes challenges can be overcome.
Belief in People: He trusts that everyone has untapped potential.
Curiosity: He prefers to ask questions rather than impose answers.
Forgiveness: He offers second chances, even to those who hurt him.
Growth Over Winning: He values long-term personal and team development over short-term victories.
Empathy: He seeks to understand what others are going through, both on and off the field.
These beliefs form the “thought” component of praxis. But what makes Ted remarkable is his ability to embody these principles through action.
The Lasso Way
Cultivating an Environment for Flourishing
Ted prioritizes the well-being of his players and staff above immediate wins. His “Believe” sign is not a gimmick but a reminder that confidence and trust are prerequisites for success. He encourages vulnerability, as seen in how he supports Jamie Tartt’s maturity, Roy Kent’s transition beyond playing, and Nate’s growth before their falling-out. Even his bizarre “Led Tasso” act serves a purpose: breaking tension and building camaraderie. By consistently aligning his actions with his belief in people, Ted creates an environment where individuals can grow into their best selves.
Learning-from-Experience Cycles (The Curiosity Method)
Ted reframes failure as a source of insight. Instead of blaming or panicking after a loss, he asks what the team learned and how they can adapt. He is constantly adjusting his approach to fit the personalities and dynamics of his players. His own journey—grappling with anxiety, therapy, and personal setbacks—models a reflective and humble learning process. This is praxis at work: structured learning from experience that produces not just results, but wisdom.
Embodied Ethical Leadership
Ted’s moral compass is evident in how he interacts with everyone, from Rebecca to Rupert. He chooses honesty, even when it’s difficult, and refuses to cut corners or abandon his philosophy for quick wins. His authenticity is his strength, proving that ethical consistency builds trust and lasting influence.
The Transformative Impact of Ted’s Praxis
The result of Ted’s approach is a team culture that values growth as much as success. Players mature not just as athletes but as human beings. The team becomes cohesive, supportive, and resilient. Even when victories are scarce, the spirit of the team grows stronger—and ironically, that growth often leads to better performance on the pitch.
Ted’s praxis is a reminder that leadership is not about control or charisma alone. It’s about aligning actions with deeply held values, creating environments where people can thrive, and learning continuously from the journey.
The Wisdom of “Believe”
Ted Lasso’s leadership might seem overly simple, but its simplicity is deceptive. His approach is a powerful example of praxis: thoughtful action that values growth, human connection, and integrity over shortcuts. For leaders in any field, this is a reminder that success often follows when you focus first on flourishing and learning.
What “Ted Lasso” belief could you embody more fully this week to create greater growth and flourishing in your own team?