It seems so obvious.

Watching the Ted Lasso series, I have so enjoyed how he has, without any great fanfare or hard-nosed tactics, created a team culture that allows his players to not only have fun playing the game they love, but feel like winners regardless of the final score.

In a recent episode, Ted changes the team’s strategy in a big way midseason, something that never would have worked when he first became their coach. It seems like a crazy thing to do, but because of Ted’s actions to that point, his players do what is asked of them and incredibly, it works.

I’ve read several recaps of this episode, and not one of them mentions the line on replay in my mind. The character Trent Crimm, who was one of Coach Lasso’s early critics, is now writing a book about the team. Upon their success with the new strategy, he follows the team into the locker room and unable to contain his excitement gushes to Ted that he’s really going to do it! (have a successful team) …

“… by slowly but surely building a club-wide culture of trust and support through thousands of imperceptible moments, all leading to their inevitable conclusion.”

It’s a good reminder that success requires more than talent and hard work.

I am inspired when a team that doesn’t seem to have a chance comes up with a win over a favored team. Great teams have talent and work hard, but pulling off an upset requires team chemistry. The players have to believe in each other. And in their coach.

It is an important aspect of team-building that many leaders, both on the field and in the workplace, don’t give the time it deserves. 

Fostering this aspect of teamwork should be part of every coach’s playbook, especially with young athletes. Every child needs to learn the value of their teammates. On the court or field — or in the workplace — we all bring something to the game, but only when we respect and understand each other’s strengths and utilize them, can the team achieve its potential, against competitors and as human beings.

Without trust and support between the players and between the players and coaches, a team’s success can only be measured by the final score.

It seems so obvious.

Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash