The pandemic presented challenging times for me and my family, and it’s likely you felt the same way. During the early days of the pandemic, a source of inspiration for me to become a better leader emerged through a surprising medium: Ted Lasso.
One particular scene in Season 1, Episode 8, stands out where Ted Lasso engages in a game of darts against his boss’s ex-husband. This man had grossly underestimated Ted and, in a bold move, challenged him to a dart game with high stakes. If he won, he would have control over the football (soccer) game’s starting lineup, potentially leading to a devastating loss for the team. If he lost, he would be banished from the owner’s box. In response to this challenge, just before his first dart throw, Ted Lasso delivers an incredible monologue on the value of curiosity and non-judgment. That scene triggered a profound shift in my approach to leadership.
Curiosity has always been an intrinsic part of my personality. As a young child, I frequently questioned how and why things worked the way they did. Even as I challenged my parents when they used their authority without fully understanding my needs, I realized that their parenting was shaped by their experiences and beliefs. As a parent today, I comprehend their approach better. But, deep down, I continued to question if there might be alternative approaches. I’ll delve into this theme in a future blog post, but for now, let’s focus on why we must replace judgment with curiosity.
Judgment often implies a binary perspective, where there’s a right and a wrong way, with the person making the judgment believing they possess the correct answer. Such judgments are colored by personal experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, offering a limited view of reality.
On the contrary, when we approach situations with curiosity, we ask questions and explore multiple explanations for why something happened or why someone behaved a certain way. This approach leads to uncovering more information and understanding, ultimately offering deeper insights on how to respond effectively.
Throughout my career, I’ve often been characterized as a unique kind of manager. My team frequently remarks on my collaborative and engaging leadership style. I challenge them to tackle tasks they didn’t believe they could handle, providing only a gentle push instead of giving them all the answers. We co-create solutions, and they grow through the process. Many individuals I’ve managed have encouraged me to share my leadership insights with a broader audience, with the goal of transforming leadership within our organization.
This journey has led to the creation of AmpedUp Leadership. Join me in embracing curiosity and shedding judgment as we lead differently. The world needs leaders who approach their roles with humanity and a willingness to learn. Our collective future depends on it.
