Lasso Life Lesson #4: All People Are Different People
I am often asked to conduct workshops to help teams communicate better. This is one of the most popular workshops I do because this is a big challenge in the work environment and at home.
The reality is that when people act, look, and think differently from us, we feel threatened. Often, we think either “the other person is doing it wrong” or “the other person doesn’t like me.” In reality, we are ALL different people who come from different cultures, with different life experiences, different skin color, different shapes, different personalities, and the list goes on.
One of my favorite aspects about the Apple TV show Ted Lasso is how the show embraces differences in so many ways. While not an exhaustive list of life and leadership lessons, here are the top three as I see them:
Support Diversity – The show features a wide range of characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and experiences. Each character’s uniqueness is celebrated rather than suppressed. Consider the people on your team and think about how their diverse qualities enhance your team. Then find a way to leverage and celebrate all that uniqueness.
Respect Individuality – Ted Lasso’s coaching philosophy is rooted in treating everyone with respect and understanding. He takes the time to get to know each player and staff member, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. This approach allows him to connect with people on a deeper level and help them grow both on and off the field. Take the time to get to know your co-workers, especially as a leader. It will build connection with one another, and you may find ways to balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses the more you get to know each other as individuals.
Embrace Vulnerability – The characters in the show are encouraged to be open about their insecurities, fears, and personal challenges. This vulnerability fosters a sense of empathy among the characters and the viewers, highlighting that everyone has their own struggles and insecurities. That support helps the characters to process through and eventually overcome the things that hold them back from success and happiness. Give up the concern for looking good and being perfect. Lead by example and share with your team about your own challenges and notice how that can positively impact you and the team.
Teams can be messy because people are messy. Embrace the messiness like Ted Lasso does and you will create a winning team that flexes and flows well together.
Use this week’s Express Desk Stretch video to bring some flexibility and flow to your body and mind.
Inquiry Question: How can you embrace the differences of the people around you?