Ted Lasso: Turn to Your Employees in Times Of Uncertainty

Season 2 of Ted Lasso, Apple TV+’s acclaimed series starring Jason Sudeikis as a U.S. soccer coach who accepts a job in the U.K., ended in a number of twists, turns, and big reveals. It also depicts how business leaders can learn from their own team.

In the first half of AFC Richmond’s game against Brentford, assistant coach Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) “false nine” strategy isn’t working out, and they find themselves down 0-2 at halftime. Ted is unsure what they should do in the second half, so captain Roy Kent suggests that he ask the players: Abandon the plan or keep it going?

To Ted’s surprise, the players decide to double down on the strategy. Richmond finds its groove in the second half, scores two goals, and ties its way into the Premier League.

Sometimes, the people in the trenches of your business — working with customers, building products and services, and grinding out the day-to-day operations on the ground — have the best perspective. You don’t need to go all Undercover Boss, but it’s never a bad idea to gauge the temperature of your staff. In moments of uncertainty, they might just help you score a big goal.