Embracing Your Inner Lasso: A Snarky Guide to Life, Leadership, and Avoiding Relegation

 EDITORIAL

Brian Stowell.     June 17, 2023 

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Embracing Your Inner Lasso: A Snarky Guide to Life, Leadership, and Avoiding Relegation

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"If you're ever feeling nervous or unsure, just remember, 'Be a goldfish.' The shortest memory in the world is a goldfish, you see. Learn from your mistakes, and then let them go. Move on, just like a goldfish. Swim on to bigger and better things." 

- Ted Lasso

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Grizzled as Roy, charming as Ted,

On life’s football pitch, where we tread.

From tantrums to biscuits in a box,

There’s a lesson in each paradox.

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If you're feeling a tad cynical or perhaps slightly at odds with the world (let's face it, who isn't?), it's time for some good ol' AFC Richmond wisdom. Yes, it's time to seek your inner Ted Lasso or, perhaps, a bit of Roy Kent, depending on your mood swings.

Do we all need to be relentless optimists like our friend Ted Lasso? Quite frankly, I wouldn't blame you if your initial response was a resounding, "Bloody hell, no!" But hold that thought. Is it possible that beneath that ludicrously oversized mustache and the constant peppering of folksy anecdotes lies the secret to being a better human being and a more effective leader?

Hear me out. Lasso’s approach of relentless optimism, genuine curiosity, and deep empathy isn't just gimmicks; they're powerful tools. Our dear, sweet Ted can teach us to embrace failure, not just as an unavoidable part of life but as a vital tool for growth. It's about being okay with not knowing every willingness to learn from your mistakes.

And then there’s Roy Kent, our gruff, semi-retired midfield general who’s as tender as a brick wall. Yet beneath that cantankerous exterior, Roy embodies loyalty, integrity, and the value of hard work. If you think about it, aren't these qualities we all strive for as individuals, managers, or leaders?

However, the beauty of Ted Lasso’s world is that you don’t have to pick one or the other. You can have the compassion of Ted with the resilience of Roy, the emotional intelligence of Keeley with the ambition of Rebecca. It's about balance, about embracing the multifaceted, sometimes contradicting aspects of our personalities. And about realizing that our idiosyncrasies are not weaknesses but strengths that make us who we are.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about being a better person for the sake of self-improvement. It's about how being better humans and leaders influences our relationships and how we show up for those we care about and work with. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Are you scared of sliding into life’s relegation zone? Your inner Ted reminds you that failure isn’t a pitfall but a stepping stone. And your Roy is there to back you up, reminding you that it's okay to fall.

So, let's avoid our personal and professional relegations. Embrace the Lasso way, and remember it's okay to ask and make biscuits for your colleagues. How's that for a hook, line, and sinker? Go Greyhounds!