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Stepping into the role of a headteacher is both exhilarating and daunting. You’re no longer just managing a classroom; you’re steering an entire school community towards success. From balancing leadership duties to shaping a positive culture, the transition comes with its challenges and rewards. As a new headteacher, you’ll likely be juggling high expectations from staff, pupils, parents, and yourself. But with the right mindset and strategies, this journey can be both fulfilling and impactful.

I have read many books, listened to podcasts, read multiple blogs and enjoyed many keynote speakers but the best leadership advice for me came from an unlikely source – Ted Lasso.

The character of Ted Lasso, from the hit TV series of the same name, has truly captured our hearts with his unorthodox coaching style and unerring positivity.  Whilst the show is primarily about football, it offers profound insights into educational leadership that resonate deeply in our schools and especially for new headteachers.  Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or eager to implement change, these tips will offer guidance to lead with confidence, clarity, and heart as you build a flourishing school.

Let’s explore how Ted Lasso’s approach can inform and inspire educational leadership.

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The power of positivity

Ted Lasso’s infectious optimism serves as a cornerstone of his leadership. Ted tapes a tattered sign above his office door to remind himself, his coaches and his players of the power of positivity.  Ted reminds us that “”For [him], success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”

Ted Lasso’s positivity not only uplifts his players but also creates a culture of resilience and growth within the team. By emphasising belief, encouragement, and the importance of enjoying the journey, Ted inspires those around him to embrace challenges with a hopeful and optimistic perspective. This approach not only strengthens individual players but also solidifies the team as a cohesive unit ready to face any obstacle.

As school leaders we understand that a positive environment fosters resilience and encourages risk-taking among both teachers and pupils.  School leaders who embody positivity can inspire their teams, helping them to navigate challenges with a sense of hope and motivation.  This is why developing a school culture with a clear understanding of our shared purpose – our “why” – is essential.  This brings a common purpose to our collective endeavour to create a flourishing school with flourishing staff and pupils. 

Building relationships

One of Ted’s notable qualities is his genuine care for people.  He invests time in building relationships with his players, recognising that understanding them as individuals is crucial to fostering teamwork and trust.   In our schools, one of the most critical aspects of being a successful headteacher is the ability to build and nurture strong relationships. Schools thrive on collaboration, and as the leader, you’re the central link between staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community. Establishing positive, trusting relationships from the outset can set the tone for the entire school culture.

In Ted Lasso the powerful relationship between Ted and Roy, the elder statesman of the team, is crucial. Though initially sceptical of Ted’s unorthodox coaching style, Roy gradually recognises Ted’s genuine care for the players. Ted, in turn, respects Roy’s leadership on the field and his dedication to the team. Ted subtly encourages Roy to embrace leadership beyond just being a player, paving the way for Roy to become a coach himself. Ted’s ability to see the potential in others, even before they see it in themselves, is key to their dynamic. Through Ted’s influence, Roy becomes more open to showing vulnerability, particularly in his relationship with Keeley and with his former teammate, Jamie. Ted nurtures this growth through trust and gentle encouragement.

Strong relationships with staff create an environment where teachers feel supported, valued, and motivated, leading to better outcomes for pupils. Likewise, connecting with pupils on a personal level helps build a school where pupils feel safe, understood, and inspired to learn. Engaging with parents fosters a sense of partnership, showing them that their concerns and perspectives matter in the growth of their child and the school.

Remember to spend time getting to know your team.  The first term is the perfect time to plan 1:1 sessions with all your staff and join your pupils in the playground or the lunch hall.  By prioritising relationships, you create a foundation of trust and openness, paving the way for a harmonious and productive school environment. 

Embracing vulnerability

Ted openly admits when he doesn’t have all the answers.  This vulnerability is a powerful leadership trait; it shows that it’s okay to ask for help or seek advice.  In our schools, leaders who model vulnerability encourage a culture of openness, where staff feel safe to express concerns and collaborate on solutions.

In Ted Lasso, one of the most profound examples of vulnerability comes when Ted opens up about his struggles with mental health, particularly his panic attacks. This moment is significant because it breaks from his usual optimistic, upbeat persona, revealing a deeper side of him that he often tries to hide.

Throughout the series, Ted is shown to be a relentlessly positive and kind person, always focused on uplifting others and avoiding his own emotional pain. However, it becomes clear over time that Ted is grappling with deep personal issues.

During an important match, Ted experiences a severe panic attack. It’s not the first time, but this instance is public and intense. Ted leaves the stadium abruptly, overwhelmed by anxiety. This event is a major turning point because it shows the weight of his internal struggles. Up until this moment, Ted has been able to mask his pain with humour and optimism, but this incident reveals how much he’s been holding inside.

Ted’s decision to go to therapy and talk about his past is a powerful demonstration of vulnerability. He acknowledges that even though he’s the one who’s always helping others, he, too, is in need of help. This moment of raw honesty shows the importance of embracing vulnerability, particularly for someone in a leadership role. It also highlights the message that seeking help for mental health struggles is not a weakness but a strength.

“Rumbling with vulnerability” is a central concept in Brené Brown’s work, particularly in her book Dare to Lead. It refers to the process of engaging in open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations where vulnerability is present. Rather than avoiding difficult topics or emotions, “rumbling” means embracing the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure that come with them, which is essential for building trust and meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.

For Brown and indeed Ted, vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s courage. When leaders rumble with vulnerability, they create space for others to express themselves authentically, leading to stronger relationships, better decision-making, and deeper accountability. It’s about being willing to admit when you don’t have all the answers, when you’ve made a mistake, or when you’re uncertain, but choosing to show up anyway and stay in the conversation. This kind of courage fosters trust and innovation within teams.

In the context of leadership, rumbling with vulnerability is vital. It invites honest dialogue, encourages transparency, and helps build a culture where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take risks. Ultimately, it’s through these vulnerable conversations that growth, learning, and genuine leadership occur.

Encouraging growth mindset

Ted consistently encourages his players to embrace a growth mindset.  He emphasises effort over outcome, celebrating progress rather than perfection.  This perspective is essential in our schools. 

Nate is the overlooked and underappreciated kit man at AFC Richmond. He is shy, lacks confidence, and is often mistreated by others on the team. Despite his talents and knowledge about football tactics, he remains in the background, believing that his place is at the bottom of the hierarchy.

From the very beginning, Ted notices Nate’s potential and treats him with respect. Rather than seeing Nate only as a kit man, Ted encourages him to share his ideas and insights with the team. Ted gives Nate the opportunity to present his tactical suggestions, even when Nate is unsure of himself. Ted pushes Nate to speak up during a team meeting, acknowledging his innovative play suggestions. This boosts Nate’s confidence and begins his journey toward becoming a coach.

Ted constantly reinforces the idea that Nate’s abilities aren’t fixed—he’s capable of growing and developing beyond his initial role. Ted’s belief in Nate instils a growth mindset, helping Nate move from a place of self-doubt to one of confidence and leadership. The entire process shows that with the right encouragement, people can evolve beyond their perceived limitations.

In schools, encouraging a growth mindset has profound implications for both pupils and staff.  When pupils adopt a growth mindset, they understand that effort and practice lead to improvement. Instead of feeling defeated by challenges or mistakes, they view them as opportunities to grow. This mindset promotes perseverance in the face of difficulty, helping students to embrace learning rather than shy away from it. 

For teachers, a growth mindset encourages continuous professional development and self-reflection. It helps educators to view challenges in teaching as opportunities for growth, leading to improved instructional practices and a more adaptive, creative approach to education.

A growth mindset nurtures a supportive environment where both pupils and teachers are not afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. This openness fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and progress, where every individual feels they have the potential to improve.

Pupils and teachers with a growth mindset are better equipped to handle setbacks and stress. They are more likely to persevere through challenges rather than give up, which strengthens their resilience. This mindset also supports their overall mental health by reducing anxiety around failure and promoting a healthier approach to success.

By embedding the principles of a growth mindset into the fabric of a school, leaders help shape pupils  and staff who are confident, curious, and unafraid of challenges.

Leading with empathy

Empathy is central to Ted’s leadership style.  He takes time to understand his players’ struggles, both on and off the pitch.  In our schools, empathy allows leaders to better support their staff and pupils, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Jamie starts as a talented but egotistical player, often prioritising his own success over the team’s. This attitude leads to tension between him and both Ted and his teammates. However, beneath Jamie’s bravado lies insecurity and a complicated relationship with his father, which shapes much of his behaviour.

Jamie faces personal challenges, particularly after his fallout with his father and the public humiliation he experiences from being sent away from AFC Richmond. Rather than scolding Jamie for his behaviour or seeing him as just a problematic player, Ted approaches him with understanding and compassion.

Jamie returns to the team after some time away, and Ted chooses to support him rather than reprimand him for his previous behaviour. He recognises that Jamie is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and is dealing with a lot of emotional pain. During a pivotal moment, Ted tells Jamie that he is proud of him for coming back and encourages him to be vulnerable with his teammates.

Ted fosters an environment where Jamie feels safe to express his feelings. In a later episode, after Jamie has an emotional confrontation with his father, Ted takes the time to sit down with him and genuinely listen. He encourages Jamie to talk about his feelings and assures him that it’s okay to be vulnerable. This approach helps Jamie understand that he doesn’t have to carry the burden of his emotions alone and that it’s acceptable to seek support from others.

Ted’s ability to connect with Jamie on a human level exemplifies leading with empathy. Instead of focusing solely on Jamie’s football performance, Ted recognises the importance of emotional health and personal growth. He leads by example, showing Jamie that it’s okay to admit struggles and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Empathetic leadership fosters a culture of care and emotional support, which is essential for pupils’ and teachers’ mental health. When school leaders demonstrate understanding, it helps reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout, especially in high-pressure environments.

When we lead with empathy, we are more attuned to the individual needs and challenges of pupils. This allows us to provide tailored support, helping pupils overcome personal or academic difficulties.

When teachers feel heard and valued by their leaders, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their jobs and stay committed to their profession. This, in turn, leads to a more stable and experienced teaching staff, which benefits pupil outcomes.

Empathetic leaders are more likely to promote equity by ensuring that all pupils have access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances. This creates a fairer learning environment where every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.

Empathy is at the heart of effective leadership in schools. It transforms the educational environment into one where pupils feel understood, teachers feel supported, and the entire community works together toward common goals. By leading with empathy, school leaders can inspire growth, foster inclusivity, and build a foundation for long-term academic and social success.

Living your values

Ted Lasso’s integrity and commitment to his values are unwavering.  In a fast-paced and ever-changing educational landscape, it can be easy to lose sight of your core principles.  School leaders must remain anchored in their values, ensuring that decisions align with the vision of developing a flourishing school.

Ted Lasso’s leadership is deeply rooted in values that prioritise empathy, integrity, teamwork, positivity, and support. His approach transforms the culture of AFC Richmond and inspires his players to not only excel in football but also grow as individuals. Ted’s unwavering commitment to these values illustrates how effective leadership can positively impact a team and foster meaningful connections among its members.

Values such as respect, honesty, and integrity serve as ethical guidelines for pupils, teachers, and staff. They help establish a moral framework that informs decision-making, relationships, and personal responsibility.  When schools prioritise values, they encourage pupils to make choices that align with principles of fairness and kindness. This builds character and helps pupils develop into ethical adults.

Schools are key institutions in shaping responsible citizens. Values such as justice, equality, and civic responsibility teach pupils the importance of contributing to the welfare of their communities and society as a whole.  By instilling these values, schools help pupils develop a sense of social responsibility, encouraging them to be active participants in addressing societal issues like poverty, environmental sustainability, and human rights.

Values are at the heart of a school’s purpose and function. They shape the way pupils learn, how teachers interact with their pupils, and how the school community as a whole functions. By promoting values such as respect, responsibility, empathy, and fairness, schools can create environments where pupils not only succeed academically but also grow into compassionate, responsible, and resilient individuals. These values are essential for pupils’ personal growth, academic success, and the development of a more just and equitable society.

Ted Lasso offers a refreshing perspective on school leadership, especially for new headteachers, that can be applied to our schools.  By prioritising positivity, building relationships, embracing vulnerability, fostering a growth mindset, leading with empathy, and living our values, school leaders can create a flourishing school culture.  As we navigate the complexities of this educational landscape, the lessons from Ted Lasso remind us that effective leadership is ultimately about people – empowering them, believing in them and helping them to flourish.

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at the Antwis Collaborative website. Home (antwiscollaborative.co.uk)

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At Antwis Collaborative, we are dedicated to empowering school leaders through personalised coaching, cutting-edge professional learning, and unwavering support. With decades of experience in education, we understand the challenges and opportunities that today’s school leaders face. Our goal is to help leaders unlock their potential, foster positive school cultures, and create transformative learning opportunities that impact both staff and pupils.

With 30 years of experience working in schools, including 20 years as a school and Trust leader, Antwis Collaborative brings expertise, insight, and empathy to the table. We are more than a consultancy; we are partners in your leadership journey. Our collaborative approach ensures that support is tailored to the individual needs of each leader and school, driving sustainable, long-term impact.

Connect with Us: Let’s explore how Antwis Collaborative can support your leadership and your school. Home (antwiscollaborative.co.uk)