It's been over a week since @TedLasso Episode 6 for which I was asked to be a guest on the amazing #MedLasso podcast with @ETSshow and @TheRealDoctorT. While we covered quite a bit, there was SO much we couldn't get to. Sharing a brief 🧵 here.
explorethespaceshow.com/podcasting/med…
I mentioned at the beginning that I had major #ImplicitBias when we first met @TheKeeleyJones. Since then, she has become one of my FAVORITE characters, for many reasons.
There is so much more to her than what is on the surface. She epitomizes don't judge a book by its cover.
Funny I reacted to her initial entrance in that way as I have often been told I am too bubbly/ enthusiastic to be taken seriously or seen as a professional. Goes to show you how these unconscious stereotypes can influence all of us, even when we have been on the receiving end.
One reason I really like her is that she showcases something that was another theme in Episode 6, how to help ppl become the best they can be. She is honest, astute, obviously has an extremely high EQ, and pushes people outside of their comfort zones to be the best they can be.
She is also the BEST cheerleader. She looks beyond peoples (sometimes tough) exteriors and is so authentic in how she interacts with others. She is able to bring out the best in people by seeing them how SHE sees them. It is an incredible skill, and she models it so well.
Some other great ex. of her doing this? Her unexpected friendship with powerhouse #RebeccaWelton. Focusing on the players who need the most help with their public personas. Getting @TheRealRoyKent a football punditry gig when he is still not convinced coaching is his thing.
Now let's talk @TheRealRoyKent and what he has added as asst coach for @AFCRichmond. @TedLasso leadership has been pretty consistent throughout: be positive, encourage everyone to be the best person they can be, and you will get the best out of everyone
(Except for that brief stint when he reveals Led Tasso, more on that later...but I digress)
Back to @TheRealRoyKent arrival as Asst. Coach. His style is quite the contrast to Ted. Previously, Ted had created a harmonious team environment for the team with the exception of bringing back @TheJamieTartt, perhaps bc he realized they needed a jumpstart, despite team tensions
But #TedLasso style of trying to get Jaime back into the good graces of the team involved trying to unite the team against a common enemy, the infamous #LedTasso. Or when he tries at the charity event in Season 1 to get @TheRealRoyKent to see his younger self in @TheJamieTartt.
These can be effective strategies, yet as a leader u cant use the same strategies w everyone. Exceptional leadership requires innovation, creativity, and sometimes, a different style for success. It sometimes requires brining in ppl to fill roles u may not be able to fulfill.
Bottom line: @TedLasso uses a leadership technique of trying to find the good in everyone, find the positive, and make everyone the best they can be by becoming better versions of themselves. This can be a very effective technique. BUT it does not work for everyone!
When @TheRealRoyKent rejoins as asst coach, he is drawn in by @TedLasso's effective strategy of reminding him how much he loves the game. He then finds a way to re-energize Captain Isaac McAdoo by reminding him of the same (also why can't I find a twitter account for him?!).
And @TheRealRoyKent does this by taking the @AFCRichmond captain to play in a game where he is playing with exceptional footballers who best him, and are not in any league, but playing for fun! Reminding him to get out of his own head and enjoy the game. A new strategy!
(TBH a brilliant strategy by @TedLasso to re-energize @TheRealRoyKent and bring him back into the game, while also fixing his Captain problem. See how there are lots of ways to lead? You just have to find the right strategies for each person based on their personalities!)
So what happens when @TheRealRoyKent comes back as coach? @TheJamieTartt is struggling as a player. Despite his exceptional skills, he is not playing his best game. While he has become a part of the team by "playing well with others" he is not performing up to his highest level.
Knowing him well, @TheRealRoyKent sees in @TheJamieTartt an internal struggle, trying to live up to the expectations of being a part of a functional well oiled team and gain their trust, while suppressing some of his personality. It is having a direct impact on his performance.
After a long phase of reminding @TheJamieTartt how much he dislikes him, and by refusing to coach him, @TheRealRoyKent tells Jamie to be what he needs to hear to be the best player he can be. Be yourself on the field, when appropriate. There is a time and place.
When given the opportunity to be himself, in the appropriate moment, @TheJamieTartt is able to deliver. @TedLasso brought @TheRealRoyKent in to coach the team in a way he was not able to. With @TheCoachBeard (& @Natethekitman although more on him in a diff thread) Jamie succeeds.
So I now come to the point of this thread. There are many ways to lead. There are many strategies to lead. The best leaders know how to use their skillsets and tailor them to the team they are leading.
They also know how to bring in ppl to make them better leaders by having diverse ideas and styles. @TedLasso so far has done an impressive job of many of these, and he also makes a point to LISTEN. He respects those he works with, and it shows in his leadership style.
I leave you w a final thought, @TedLasso said it best when he said "#WomanUp" bc "Y’all been manning up for a while, and look where that’s got you.” To be a successful leader, be nimble, flexible, open-minded, innovative, & surround urself with people who think differently than u
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