Ted Lasso & the Servant’s Way: Leading with Care, Not Just for the Win
In the Apple TV series of the same name, Ted Lasso is a breath of fresh air in a sports world obsessed with leaderboards, trophies, and victory parades. From the moment Ted steps into AFC Richmond, his leadership isn’t about dominating the Premier League—it’s about lifting people. That’s the essence of the Motivational Gift of Servant: seeing the needs of others and joyfully meeting them, often without fanfare or expectation of credit.
The Dinner with Trent Crimm: Servanthood in Action
One of the most telling scenes is Ted’s dinner with journalist Trent Crimm. Ted chooses an Indian restaurant not to impress Trent, but to give him a genuine experience—introducing him to food Ted himself is trying for the first time. Over naan and curry, Ted shares his philosophy: help the players become the best versions of themselves, and the wins will follow. He’s not playing coy; he’s revealing his core motivation.
This moment is a pure example of the Servant gift. Instead of using the platform to prove his competence or defend his record, Ted focuses on his players' practical and emotional needs. He knows that creating a healthy environment—where athletes feel seen, cared for, and respected—will lead to lasting results.
Helping a Fellow Coach Nate Become Great
Ted’s relationship with Nate is another masterclass in the Servant gift. From the start, Ted notices Nate’s hidden potential long before anyone else. He gives Nate a voice in strategy meetings, credits him publicly for good ideas, and even elevates him to assistant coach. Even when Nate’s insecurity turns to arrogance and he begins treating Ted with open disrespect, Ted doesn’t retaliate or cut him off. Instead, he continues to speak well of Nate and celebrates his successes—even when those successes come at Ted’s own expense. Servants don’t serve to earn loyalty; they serve because meeting someone’s need and helping them flourish is their reward. Ted’s investment in Nate’s growth shows that genuine servanthood is rooted in who you are, not in how you’re treated in return.
The Servant’s Signature Moves in Ted’s Coaching
Servants are detail-oriented helpers who anticipate needs before they’re voiced. Ted:
Leaves handwritten notes of encouragement in lockers.
Learns players’ backstories to tailor his encouragement.
Handles relational tensions privately rather than in front of the team.
Bakes biscuits for his boss, Rebecca, daily—small, steady acts that soften hearts over time.
This isn’t about charm; it’s strategic compassion. Servants know that consistent care builds trust, and trust builds teams.
Servants Value People Over Performance
Ted’s approach echoes the biblical truth that greatness comes from serving (Mark 10:43–45). Like Joseph protecting his family behind the scenes or Barnabas vouching for Paul when no one else would, Ted sees the potential in others and invests in it.
In contrast to the common Ruler gift of a professional sports coach, which might focus on efficient systems and clear goals, Ted leans into relationship-first leadership. Winning matters, but to Ted, winning with your people—whole and healthy—is the real victory.
An Aside: Coach Beard, the Teacher
While Ted serves, Coach Beard teaches. His redemptive gift aligns with the Teacher profile: patient, detail-oriented, committed to accuracy, and able to turn knowledge into action. Beard is the quiet historian of the team—always reading, researching strategy, and correcting misunderstandings. If Ted creates the emotional environment, Beard builds the intellectual scaffolding to support it.
Teachers like Beard know the playbook, understand the why behind every move, and ensure the team does, too. His influence is subtle but essential; he anchors Ted’s relational optimism with grounded tactical wisdom.
How We Can All Practice the Servant Gift
You don’t have to coach Premier League football to fulfill the Servant gift. Start by:
Noticing physical, emotional, or spiritual needs and meeting them without being asked.
Building environments where people feel safe enough to grow.
Choosing people over position—letting relationships take precedence over personal ambition.
Serving without expectation—whether or not anyone says “thank you.”
Ted Lasso reminds us that success without service is hollow. When we lead with a Servant’s heart, we reflect the Father’s attentive care, create spaces for people to flourish, and inspire loyalty that outlasts any scoreboard.
So bake the biscuits, send the note, have dinner, help someone win at life, and the rest will follow.
