Believe it or not, the world of professional football can teach us a lot about hiring people. In the feel-good comedy “Ted Lasso,” an American football coach named Ted Lasso is hired to lead AFC Richmond, a failing English Premier League team.
At first glance, he appears to be a complete underdog. As an American football coach with no experience in European soccer, his appointment to lead AFC Richmond is met with both doubt and amusement. Despite this, he is genuinely positive and has full faith in his team. He also has a unique way of leading that focuses on building trust, creating a positive workplace, and celebrating even the smallest wins.
Like Ted connecting with both players and management, staffing professionals must master the art of serving two audiences. Here’s how to apply Ted’s winning strategies to elevate your recruitment game and become the MVP your candidates and client’s trust.
What Can You Learn from Ted Lasso?
How can recruitment professionals use funny themes from a comedy movie? Here are some key lessons from Lasso’s playbook:
1. Leverage the power of positive reinforcement.
Ted is always positive. It doesn’t matter how hard things are for him; he sees the good in everyone and everything. His unwavering faith in the team’s abilities makes them stronger.
This is what positive reinforcement looks like:
With Candidates
- Acknowledging their skills and potential during the screening process
- Celebrating milestones in their job search journey
- Providing constructive feedback after interviews
- Maintaining supportive communication even after placement
With Clients
- Highlighting the success stories of previous placements
- Recognizing their growth and evolving needs
- Supporting their hiring goals with regular check-ins
- Celebrating successful matches and retention milestones
For instance, when a candidate seems hesitant about a role that perfectly matches their skills, focus on their transferable experiences and potential for growth. Similarly, when a client is uncertain about a candidate’s industry shift, emphasize their relevant achievements and adaptability. This balanced approach helps build confidence in the matching process and creates successful, long-term placements.
2. Use transparency and open communication to build trust.
One of Ted’s best qualities is his genuinely interested and caring nature. He spends time getting to know each team member, learning about their skills and weaknesses, and making sure everyone feels comfortable talking to each other.
Clear, honest dialogue with candidates means sharing detailed role insights, company culture nuances, and realistic timelines. At the same time, clients deserve candid feedback about candidate qualifications, market conditions, and potential challenges in the hiring process.
For instance, when a candidate’s experience doesn’t perfectly match a client’s requirements but their potential is evident, having an open discussion about transferable skills with both parties can lead to unexpected success stories.
Read More: Handshakes to Heartstrings: Sealing the Deal with Trust
3. Accept that people are different; diversity is a strength.
In the show, Ted walks into AFC Richmond without knowing anything about English soccer or the team’s values. Instead of trying to force his American ways on the team, he learns about their past and celebrates their traditions, even the fun ones like bonding over biscuits.
And because each player is different, he also knows how to teach them in a way that works for them. Being willing to see things from different points of view helps him connect with the team more deeply and build a strong base for success.
When working with clients, this means helping them look beyond conventional requirements to consider candidates with diverse experiences and viewpoints. For candidates, it means recognizing their unique strengths and advocating for opportunities where their distinctive backgrounds can add real value. For example, a candidate transitioning from a different industry might bring fresh approaches that could revolutionize a client’s team dynamic.
4. Beyond the stats: be personable.
In today’s data-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, tools, and measures. But Ted reminds us that recruitment is about people, not just statistics. He takes the time to understand each candidate’s story, motivations, and potential cultural fit within the team.
Don’t let applications and interview scores take away from the human side of hiring. Focus on understanding both your candidates’ career aspirations and your clients’ company culture.
Studies show that strong relationships lead to higher employee satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, a happier and more productive workplace.¹
So, focus on getting to know potential hires, like Ted’s ability to see beyond player statistics. Successful recruiters look past the resume to find the perfect match that benefits both parties.
5. Focus on the “why”.
Ted Lasso inspires his team by reminding them of the bigger picture – the joy of the game and the importance of teamwork.
In the same way, when hiring, think about the “why” behind the job.
For clients, it’s not just about filling a position – it’s about finding someone who can help achieve their goals and strengthen their team. For candidates, it’s beyond landing any job – it’s about finding opportunities where they can thrive and grow. Like Ted’s knack for finding what truly motivates his players, great recruiters dig deeper to create meaningful connections that stand the test of time.
6. Get things done as a team.
One of Ted’s best qualities is his ability to build a strong team spirit. He gets people to work together, teaches them to help each other, and celebrates team wins. Because of this, the team can solve problems and do more than they could as individuals.
Strong partnerships are at the heart of successful staffing. Just as Ted brings together players with different strengths, recruiters connect hiring managers, HR teams, and candidates to create the perfect fit. When everyone communicates openly and works toward the same goal, the hiring process becomes smoother and more successful for everyone involved.
7. Being able to adapt is important.
Ted is successful not only because he is positive, but also because he can change and adapt. He is always picking up new things, like how to play soccer without being onside and how to properly behave in British society. He’s open to feedback and willing to change his plans as needed.
The recruitment world is constantly changing. Recruiters need to be able to adapt to new technologies, changing job markets, and changing employee standards. To stay ahead of the curve, be open to learning new skills, use new tools, and keep up with changes in your field.
Read More: Lead the Pack: The Benefits of Thought Leadership for Staffing Professionals
8. Enjoy the little wins; the journey is what matters.
Even though big wins are fun, Ted always stresses how important it is to recognize and enjoy the little wins along the way. This way of doing things keeps his team inspired and on track with their work.
In staffing, every step matters – from a candidate’s successful first interview to a client’s positive feedback. Celebrate these moments: when a candidate gains confidence after interview prep, when a client finds the perfect cultural fit, or when a placed candidate excels in their new role. These small victories build momentum and strengthen relationships with both candidates and clients.
From Ted Lasso’s Playbook to Your Recruitment Strategy
While Ted Lasso might be a fictional character, the leadership lessons he embodies are very real and can be applied to any professional setting. By incorporating these strategies – focusing on positivity, building trust, celebrating small wins, embracing diversity, and highlighting purpose – you can transform your recruitment practices and build a winning team for your company.
Remember, it’s not about having all the answers, but about building strong relationships with both candidates and clients to create successful matches. Like Ted’s ability to bring out the best in everyone, your role is to help both parties find their perfect match.
Related Reading: Leadership Lessons from F1’s Dominant Force: Insights from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff
Transform your staffing success with Allied Insight
Like Ted’s authentic approach to leadership, your staffing expertise deserves to be shared. Allied Insight helps staffing firms create engaging content that builds trust with clients and candidates alike. Visit our website today to learn more!
Reference
- Seppala, Emma, and Nicole McNichols. “The Power of Healthy Relationships at Work.” Harvard Business Review, 21 June 2022, hbr.org/2022/06/the-power-of-healthy-relationships-at-work. Accessed 22 May 2024.
