In the award-winning show Ted Lasso, the titular character is an American college football coach who takes a job managing AFC Richmond, a fictional British Premier League soccer team. In addition to his very public inexperience and ignorance, Ted faces private trials and multiple betrayals. However, through his responses to these obstacles, he is able to transform himself, his team, and an entire community.
Ted beautifully demonstrates the Four Elements of trustworthiness throughout the show. He is…
1. Authentic. Ted knows who he is and what he values. This allows him to move with humble confidence into a new job in a new sport in a new country. Despite immense outside pressure, he rests in who he is, remaining open, honest, and vulnerable. He demonstrates dynamic authenticity—using conversations with friends (and a therapist) to grow and make meaning for himself and others.
2. Benevolent. Ted knows it’s not about him. He’s curious about people, not judgmental. He’s present with others, listening and looking for potential in each one. He assumes positive intent. He doesn’t judge them at their lowest point, but strives to make them the best version of themselves. Bottom line, he believes in people…and makes them believe in themselves.
3. Competent. Ted doesn’t know much about soccer at first, but does three things to shore up this element. First, he seeks, elevates, and surrounds himself with experts. Second, he takes responsibility for his own development. Third, he doesn’t let his lack of competency in soccer distract him from his primary competency as a leader.
4. Dependable. Ted delivers results and remains true to his convictions, whether baking biscuits or building a team. He doesn’t remain flustered with losing streaks or losing star players. Regardless of record or roster, he focuses on daily habits and his long-term vision to create a high-performing team.
By trusting himself and others wisely, Ted Lasso makes himself trustworthy and inspires a deep trust from others.
And so can you.
Not by quoting ‘80s songs or sharing folksy quips (unless that’s your thing), but by deciding for yourself how to be, shifting your focus onto others, staying curious, and showing up consistently.
For Reflection: If you were thrust into a completely different job, in a completely different place, what core identity would you bring with you?
Update: 50,166 words
I’ve written 50,166 manuscript words out of a goal of 60,000. That puts me about 84% complete with the first draft, which is 7% more than last week.
Past the 50K mark and continuing to push toward that ugly first draft finish line! It’s hard to believe that the 60K goal is less than 10,000 words away. I’ll be keeping my head down and continuing to plug away.
