I’ve finally convinced my team to watch one of my favourite series: Ted Lasso. If you haven’t binged on it yet, I highly recommend it. While it’s an easy-to-watch series about an American Football coach who moves across the world to become a soccer coach, Ted Lasso truly shows what it means to use transferable leadership skills and be a leader everyone wants to follow, no matter what industry you work in.

In this heartwarming series, Coach Lasso, with his folksy charm and unwavering optimism, navigates the complexities of leading a Premier League soccer team through strategic brilliance and his exceptional ability to truly hear those around him. It’s what we call active listening.

Here are six practical takeaways from Ted Lasso’s active listening approach that you can start applying today. Don’t worry; there are no spoilers here. These are just concepts in play, but actionable steps you can take to improve your communication and leadership skills, which will ensure you can navigate any discussion, good or bad.

1. A Genuine Curiosity and Empathy: There are many scenes where Ted could naturally get angry or upset. Instead, Ted consistently displays genuine curiosity about the people around him. He asks open-ended questions not to judge or criticise but to truly understand their perspectives and feelings. Being curious about the why supports empathy and creates a safe space for others to open up and share their thoughts honestly.
2. Patience and Attentiveness: Ted doesn’t rush to tell others the solutions, fill silences or jump to conclusions. He patiently waits and listens, allowing people the time to express themselves fully. This demonstrates respect and shows that he values what they have to say.
3. Focus on the “Why”: Ted often delves deeper, asking “why” someone feels a certain way or acts in a particular manner. This helps him uncover the underlying motivations and emotions, leading to a more profound understanding.
4. Reflective Listening: Ted often paraphrases what he hears, reflecting back on the speaker’s words and feelings. This ensures he understands correctly and makes the person feel heard and validated.
5. Non-judgmental Acceptance: Ted accepts people as they are without trying to change them or impose his own beliefs. He creates a safe space where individuals feel comfortable being themselves. This creates an environment of trust where open communication can flow freely.
6. Active Engagement: Ted is fully present in conversations, offering nonverbal cues like eye contact, nods, and smiles to show his engagement. He avoids distractions and focuses on the person in front of him, making them feel valued and important.

Ted’s Impact:

Through active listening, Ted creates a culture of trust, respect, and open communication within AFC Richmond. He empowers players and staff, helps them overcome challenges, and inspires them to be their best selves.

By incorporating these active listening lessons from Ted Lasso into your interactions with your team, you can transform your relationships, foster trust, overcome challenges, and inspire them to be their best selves. So, let’s take a page from Ted Lasso’s playbook and embrace the transformative power of active listening. It’s a skill that can truly make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Are you ready to transform your relationships, both at work and at home? Our “Communication with Impact” workshop will equip your team and leaders with the tools to navigate challenging conversations, build trust, and foster genuine connections.