Month: September 2022

The 5 Actions I have Seen Ted Lasso Do to Create Strong Leadership

/ Denis Baker / Leave a comment

Be careful – there are spoilers ahead if you are watching the series.

My wife gets annoyed when I watch TV shows or movies because I tend to write a lot down and think of ways to manage the content into leadership training or a bit of informative information. For example, one of my favorite TV series shows is Ted Lasso(AppleTV). In watching the show, I have identified many things Ted does or how he acts and reacts to the situation in his crazy job position that influences people.

Probably my biggest hobby is writing about leadership. I focus on things I struggle with or how I see others struggle in their approach to leading others. So I use Ted Lasso as a cheat sheet to develop information on becoming a good leader.

Just an FYI, I am referring to the show names, not real names.

If you’re looking for examples of how leaders behave—or should behave—Ted Lasso is perfect. Here are five actions I have identified where Mr. Lasso and his partners remind us of the way leaders should act:

BE CURIOUS, NOT JUDGMENTAL

This is something I sometimes struggle with. In a game of darts, Ted Lasso faces off against his boss’s ex-husband, billionaire Rupert Mannion. Mr. Mannion lost ownership of his beloved soccer club, Richmond AFC, in a divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Rebecca Welton. The billionaire challenges Ted to a game of darts and decides to wager. Here is how it goes, If Mannion wins, he can pick the player lineups for the season’s last two games. If Ted wins, Mannion is banned from the owner’s box, giving Ted’s boss relief from his harassment. While throwing the darts, Ted refers to a Walt Whitman quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.” He did this to explain why curiosity is more effective than closed-minded judgments. Had Mannion asked a question, such as, “Have you played many darts?” he would have learned that Lasso was a Dart ace.

BENCH THE BAD ACTORS 

Jamie Tartt, Richmond AFC’s star striker, is on loan to Richmond AFC from another club. Tartt is a ball hog on the field. He refuses to pass to other players, even when they have a better shot. He is a relentless narcissist who bullies and taunts his teammates off the field. Because of his lousy behavior, Ted decides to bench during the first half of an important game. I know you are thinking of the high risk of loss that now exists. However, with their coach’s encouragement, the team adapts and pulls out a win. When team members don’t follow the rules or meet expectations, even if they’re rock-star performers, it’s time for a change. Of course, these moves can result in negative consequences. However, they also result in inv higher employee morale.

ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG—AND apologies

Welton hired Ted Lasso, who had no soccer experience. Instead, he coached American football for a small college. She wanted the club to fail and make her ex-husband unhappy. But Ted Lasso’s wisdom, optimism, and commitment to changing everyone he meets softens hearts and wins over many of his critics. Throughout the season, Welton realizes how she has been changed. Finally, she confesses to Ted that she set him up to fail and apologizes. Ted Lasso forgives her, creating a more profound friendship and commitment to improving the team.

BELIEVE

Belief is a single word emblazoned on a yellow sign hung with duct tape over the coaches’ office. These words show the power of belief in oneself, the team, belief in ideals, and belief in the team’s goals. Belief doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist.

KINDNESS MATTERS  

I’ve noticed in many episodes is that “kindness ” is a potent tool. Good things exist when we are kind and respectful to employees. Even when we need to hold them accountable, we must respect them and influence the change. The brutal soccer legend, Roy Kent, had a great way of influencing others through his commitment and kindness to the team players. Suppose you focus on Lesley Higgins and recognize his commitment to his family and the team. In that case, you will recognize his robust approach to handling different conversations and situations in a kind and effective manner. You should also look at Coach Beard, Lasso’s assistant coach, and watch how he successfully manages the value of wise and steadfast friends.

Denis is an Executive Director for the John Maxwell Group and is a certified leadership coach, trainer, keynote speaker, and DISC Behaviorial Consultant. Denis is a senior safety professional and a strong, passionate influential person. He is committed to teaching and communicating practical and relevant influencing techniques.  His unique, passionate, and emotionally driven style resonates with many, creating a desire to become an effective leader. 

You can contact Denis at dbaker@leaderinfluence.net for information on coaching, leadership, team and culture training, DISC Behavioral consulting, or to be an inspirational speaker at your next event.

6 Networking Skills to Successfully Sell Safety

/ Denis Baker / Leave a comment

Networking is a crucial component of increasing your leadership. An influential leader prioritizes relationships with employees and leaders to successfully identify the appropriate method to sell your safety vision and expectations.

– DENIS BAKER

Networking is making connections and building relationships. As a safety professional, you are the key player in getting everyone to buy into your safety plans, expectations, and training. All of this is true, from the bottom to the top. These connections will create an atmosphere of respect and trust, and they will see your vision and desires’ positive values. One of the ways I work to build my networking capability is to focus on recognizing the success of what people do and recognizing their role. I also look to serve people and show them that it is not my success but their success in going home every day. I have learned throughout my career that if I focus on people and their needs and challenges, I will encounter solid relationships and succeed.

I will admit that sometimes networking can be uncomfortable. When I see people doing something wrong or not engaged in safe activities, I initially want to hold them accountable. However, that will not result in building a positive relationship. So instead, I will have them stop and start a conversation about what they can do to reduce the risk and ensure their safety. I’ve experienced that networking can be a long-term adventure. Still, you need to know — it is important to remember that the goal is to form lasting relationships.

Those who expect to immediately reap benefits from an initial connection can feel frustrated, insincere, or want to manipulate people. But, when you genuinely connect with people, you build genuine relationships and identify your commitment to serve them to show interest in their position, activities, and family.

Here are 6 Networking Skills to drive you to Successfully Sale of safety

Ensure you have face-to-face communication

Face-to-face communication refers to the interaction between you and the individual or group where everyone is in direct contact. Having a face-to-face conversation, you will be successful in your one-on-one or group discussions. It offers the receiver(s) and sender(s) a viable opportunity to look into each other’s eyes and evaluate their thoughts and ideas by interpreting body language, facial expressions, emotions, and tone of voice. Sometimes it becomes essential for the people you are interacting with to get a clear idea about you.

Make a positive first impression.

When you initially meet with an individual or group, it only takes a glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you the first time. So here are things to consider;

Positively present yourself

  • Be yourself.
  • Have a winning smile.
  • Be transparent and confident.
  • Use humor
  • Be courteous and attentive.

You have to know this too, “your first impression can be impossible to reverse or undo, and that will affect the capability of achieving an effective and strong relationship.”

Have a very positive and compelling elevator pitch

You are wondering, “why do I need an elevator pitch for successful networking?” Well, every safety professional has to be able to communicate their goals and expectations to anyone. By doing this, this is how you successfully sell your desired outcomes. But, I also know that a positive elevator pitch will drive the first impression. So, here, let me tell you how to create a successful elevator pitch.

Describe who your “customers” are. In the safety profession, your customers are every employee, contractor, vendor, and visitor, regardless of their roles or positions. Show the benefits or results of following your vision and the safety processes and procedures. Appeal to the need or problem of the other person or group. Don’t only be a problem identifier, be a problem solver. Describe the results when meeting or declining safety expectations make people say, “Tell Me More!”

Elevator pitch example;

“Hi, I am your safety supporter. My role is to ensure that you and your colleagues produce safe behaviors and operate in a low-risk environment. I am here to identify what you like and what we need to address to ensure you feel safe and comfortable in everything you do.” – DENIS BAKER

Your elevator pitch should not last more than 30 seconds, or the person or group might start yawning.

Be patient

It’s hard to be patient when you want or needs people to change their ways. Lack of patience can easily lead to the development of frustration on your side. Here is how I approach the situation when connections and relationships move slowly. Suppose I attempt to aim too directly or quickly at achieving my desired goal. In that case, I move that connection forward (build a strong relationship) by spending more time in the person’s area or working on ways to get more engaged with the person or group. Most times (not all), I see positive progress going forward.

Continually follow-up

Once you connect with someone, you have to follow up. Timing is of the essence when trying to sell safety because you want to reinforce the connection before the person has forgotten your expectations and what you committed to do or check on. By following up, you strengthen your relationship with the person or group. Following up also allows you to re-evaluate the situation and identify if additional needs or concerns have shown up or been deleted or reduced.

Tips for following up;

  • Follow up within 24 hours. You want to follow up quickly so that the person remembers you or your expectations. Walk around or visit, but add additional networking opportunities.
  • When you see them, mention something they told you about their family, sport, or hobby.
  • Ask if they need anything from you or give them an update on what you said you would do or look into

LAST THOUGHT

I encourage you to network with an open mind, learn from others, and welcome opportunities to share your visions and show your commitment to people’s safety. Empowering those around you is the best investment you can make as a safety professional.

Denis is an Executive Director for the John Maxwell Group and is a certified leadership coach, trainer, keynote speaker, and DISC Behaviorial Consultant. Denis is a senior safety professional and a strong, passionate influential person. He is committed to teaching and communicating practical and relevant influencing techniques.  His unique, passionate, and emotionally driven style resonates with many, creating a desire to become an effective leader. 

You can contact Denis at dbaker@leaderinfluence.net for information on coaching, leadership, team and culture training, DISC Behavioral consulting, or to be an inspirational speaker at your next event.