How to Lead Like Lasso:

Transformational Leaderships Lessons for Principals

Ted Lasso's character has not only enthralled audiences with his genuine charm and wit but also ignited discussions on leadership. Principals, as the ultimate leaders of school buildings, can derive a wealth of wisdom from Ted Lasso's unconventional, yet incredibly effective, leadership style. Lasso's approach to leadership, which emphasizes trust, grace, resilience, community building, continuous learning, and celebration of both successes and failures, provides valuable insights for education leaders seeking to create thriving learning communities.

Fostering a Strong Community

Just as Lasso aimed to build a strong culture within AFC Richmond, school principals can work towards fostering a sense of community among educators, students, and parents. A robust educational community is built on the mutual commitment to a shared vision, goal, or belief. For instance, Lasso's mantra, "Believe," was a symbolic rallying point for the team, uniting players, staff, and even fans in a shared commitment to strive for their best (Thompson, 2023).

Ted Lasso - Believe and The Power of a Team

In the same vein, educational leaders can seek to establish a clear and compelling vision for their school that resonates with all stakeholders. This shared vision, when communicated effectively and consistently, can create a sense of belonging and commitment, thus strengthening the school community (Hattie, 2009).

Building Trust through Respect

Trust is another cornerstone of Lasso's leadership style. He earned his team's trust by showing respect for each individual, understanding their needs, and fostering an environment conducive to collaboration. This aspect is especially relevant to principals. Research has consistently shown that trust between principals and teachers significantly influences school culture, job satisfaction, and student achievement (Bryk and Schneider, 2002).

Building Trust - It is our choice

However, trust is not an automatic given; it is something that must be actively cultivated. For principals, this might involve open communication, transparent decision-making, and consistent action in line with their words. This trust-building process enables a school environment where differences are respected, and collaborative problem-solving is encouraged.

Leading with Grace

One of Lasso's most remarkable leadership traits is his grace under pressure. Even when faced with personal betrayal or professional adversity, Lasso responded with understanding and kindness. This 'graceful' leadership approach offers a critical lesson for principals. In an educational setting, conflicts, challenges, or setbacks are inevitable. However, how principals respond to these situations can significantly impact the school culture.

Being an effective leader in education involves finding a balance between maintaining professional standards and showing empathy towards students and staff members. Research has shown that principals who demonstrate emotional intelligence and resilience positively influence teacher job satisfaction and student outcomes (Boyatzis, Goleman & Rhee, 2000).

Embracing Differences and Encouraging Personal Growth

The unique blend of personalities within AFC Richmond was not a hurdle for Lasso. Instead, he harnessed their differences to foster a stronger team. Each player's quirks were accepted and valued, leading to a team that was more robust due to their differences rather than in spite of them.

In education, diversity among students and staff is often seen as a challenge. However, like Lasso, principals can view these differences as strengths. By appreciating and valuing diverse experiences and perspectives, principals can foster a more inclusive and innovative school environment (Archer, 2013). Simultaneously, they can empower teachers and students to continually learn and grow, just as Lasso did with his team members like Nathan and Tartt.

Celebrating Successes and Recognizing Losses

Finally, an essential aspect of Lasso's leadership approach is his ability to recognize both successes and losses. He understood that victories should be celebrated, and failures acknowledged as part of the growth process. This balance between celebration and reflection provides a critical lesson for education leaders.

Losses are tough, but - You’ll Never Walk Alone

Celebrate Success 

Recognizing the efforts of teachers and students, and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, can significantly boost morale and motivation (Aguilar, 2013). At the same time, creating a culture where failures or mistakes are seen as learning opportunities can foster resilience and a growth mindset among students and educators (Dweck, 2006).

The Goldfish Mentality and Wellbeing

A distinctive aspect of Ted Lasso's philosophy is what he calls the 'goldfish mentality.' This mindset, characterized by the goldfish's brief memory, symbolizes the ability to quickly release past setbacks and concentrate on the present. Lasso promotes a culture of resilience by encouraging his team to learn from their losses but not to dwell on them, effectively fostering an environment of continual growth and optimism.

In an educational context, this approach carries profound implications for overall wellbeing. When principals, teachers, or students hold on to negative experiences or emotions, it can lead to chronic stress and burnout, both of which are detrimental to health, productivity, and creativity (Kraft & Pressman, 2012). However, by adopting the 'goldfish mentality,' education leaders can help their community learn to let go of negative emotions quickly. This practice paves the way for enhanced focus, greater resilience, and a healthier, more supportive learning environment.

Be a Goldfish

In conclusion, the leadership style of Ted Lasso offers many valuable lessons for principals and educators. Like Lasso, they can strive to build a strong community based on trust, lead with grace, value diversity, and encourage continual learning and growth. By adopting these principles, they can create a nurturing and effective educational environment that inspires everyone to be the best version of themselves.