The Leadership Methods of Ted Lasso

In this podcast episode we focus on Season 1, episodes 3 & 4 of Ted Lasso. We get started with a quick summary of teach episode.

Like Phil Jackson, Coach Ted Lasso gives each player a book. Here, team captain reads his niece A Wrinkle in Time.

Trent Crimm: The Independent (episode 3)

• Out of fear of being caught, Rebecca squashes the picture that was supposed to run that made it look like Ted and Keeley were romantically involved and instead tries to set Ted up for failure by getting him to do a profile with reporter Trent Crimm. Ted starts to get Roy to lead the team and he begins by getting the guys to lay off Nate. Although Crimm thinks Ted will surely fail, he writes a positive newspaper piece about him.

For the Children (episode 4)

• The action centers around an auction of the players as a fundraiser for children. Rupert crashes the party charming everyone and doing his old tricks of putting others down to hide his insecurities. The episode finishes with Jamie and Keeley breaking up.

Most Important Things to Discuss from the Two Episodes:

1. Ted’s coaching methods seem like a promising topic to discuss. Giving everyone books like Phil Jackson, which gets Roy to see that it has to be him. He begins to shift team dynamics, taking on that Jamie and Roy relationship head on.
2. Rebecca: “I don’t want to be alone.”

Golden Lines:

1. I have a really tricky time hearing people who don’t believe in themselves. -Ted to Nate when he has an idea for a play for the team.
2. He’s the one coach. If we’re going to make an impact here, the first domino that needs to fall is right inside that man’s heart.
3. I can use your balls as a speed bag; do you want to try that? Roy to Jamie in the weight room
4. Jamie’s tart breaks Tartt’s heart. You have no idea of the power of goddam rhyming in this country. -Keeley to Ted when she does headlines
5. Congrats, you both just met a cool person. -Ted to Trent and Ollie the restaurant owner and driver.
6. The press are never awful to men. -Rebecca to Keeley
7. Illinois state champs, baby! -Beard, the way he says baby that we keep getting in the show.
8. What’s the first rule of fight club? No fight club.

Word Riddle or Joke:

1. I spoke to the owner of the sun. You spoke to God?!!! Ted and Rebecca.
2. Branding joke. You gotta do it for the cows.

Character development that grabbed my attention?

• Roy is becoming a leader of the team. Back off of Nate. Trying to build a relationship with Jamie. I see a spark of Roy and Keeley.
• Keeley is starting to think she should make different choices in men. Starting to stand up for herself.
• The emergence of Trent Crimm as a character. We get so much more of him.

What friendships do I see?

1. Rebecca and Keeley. Keeley gets Rebecca a present. She helps her on the runway. She compliments her boobs.
2. Rebecca and Ted. Ted goes outside to check on her.
3. Beard and Ted talk about relationships. Talk about the team.

Ted Lasso Kind Deeds:

1. He works to develop Nate. He listens to him. Gets to know him. Encourages him.
2. He enjoys the school kids. He tries to get them to have fun.
3. He is open and sincere with Trent.
4. He goes to his driver’s restaurant and eats all that spicy food.
5. He goes to check on Rebecca.
6. He goes and gets the busker, good for the artist and for the fundraiser.
7. He wants to develop his players as young men.

The Leadership, Motivational, and Coaching Methods of Ted Lasso:

• He builds community by talking to everyone. Talks with Keeley about Jamie. Goes with Roy to the school. He asks for a table with the people who aren’t getting along. When I was at Greenwood, I could say I’m the head coach and tell everyone what they are doing, or I can go to practices, ask questions, and take on the role of support. People end up asking you what you think when you do that.
• Boosts confidence. He asks for confidence. He messages, BELIEVE.
• Gives everyone a book.
• He is nearly without ego. He gives Nate credit for the play.
• Team play over “feeding” the star. Another Phil Jackson like move. Doug Collins supposedly ran all the plays for Jordan.
• Guiding principle: not winning and losing but being the best version of themselves on and off the pitch.

Dig Deeper Behind the Scenes:

• I read the script for the pilot. The team was originally Greenwich FC. Ted was the coach of the Pittsburgh State Gorillas. It’s a real school. Click here to see more.
• Richmond is a real neighborhood in London. No football club. The Crown and Anchor in the show is actually The Prince’s Head.
• The street where Ted walks is called Paved Court. More information, click here, for GroundhopperGuides.
• The home stadium is actually Selhurst Park Stadium. It’s actually the home of Crystal Palace FC. @groundhopguides

Ask Questions About a Few Characters:

• How would you describe Roy’s personality? He’s focused on being a tough football player. He’s probably struggling with facing the end of his career. He doesn’t have to be tough all. the time.
• Did Beard develop any for you? A walking encyclopedia, a loyal friend. Reminds me of my friendship with John Burrus.

Allusions:

• A Wrinkle in Time.
• Step Brothers. Funniest thing I’ve ever seen. Now I have to rethink that all over again now that I’ve seen Jamie used as a decoy.
• Fight Club
• Michelle Obama arm wrestling match with Rebecca.

Top Scenes from 3 & 4:

1. The reading of the Crimm article while seeing a montage. This includes Roy head butting the guys bullying Nate.
2. Roy does the Ted impression. Then Keeley does the Roy impression.
3. Ted jumps in the header line with Roy.
4. This offense stinks. Give the ball to Jamie and everyone else can go to hell.

Top Scenes Overall:

1. The reading of the Crimm article while seeing a montage. This includes Roy headbutting the guys bullying Nate.
2. Ted bursts back into the room after Higgins, “Caesar you later.”
3. Keeley asks Ted, Rebecca and then Jamie, Lion or a Panda? What’s black and white and red all over? A panda after it runs into an effing lion!
4. Roy does the Ted impression. Then Keeley does the Roy impression.
5. Ted pretends to drive the car on the left while Nate drives. “You’re a godsend Ted Lasso.”