Raising roses isn’t easy. They require the right amounts of sunlight, water, feeding, and pruning. Even the finished product challenges us, so beautiful and yet prickly.
I haven’t coached many “roses” as middle school girls want to please, work hard, and usually listen. But how do we reach the outliers?
Apple TV’s Ted Lasso shares clues with his insight through homespun humor.
“You may be one in a million, you are also one in eleven.” Greatness is scarce, but exceptional teammates add special value. Emphasize accountability to the team not only to your ego.
“Be a goldfish.” The goldfish’s ephemeral memory allows it to “never take anything personally,” one of The Four Agreements. Life is too short and too hard to carry grudges and excess baggage. Never having won a championship doesn’t define someone as a loser. Stockton, Malone, Marino, Yastrzemski and more never won rings.
“It’s about helping these young men be the best versions of themselves.” We older coaches can only hope that these players turn out well. “Old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.”
“I forgive you.” After Rebecca apologizes for undermining Ted in every way, including returning his star player, Ted graciously forgives her. Forgiveness lays the groundwork for healing. Forgiveness, sacrifice, and humility are hard.
“Be curious not judgmental.” Ted quotes Walt Whitman. We learn why Ted’s aptly named star (Tartt) acts out and understand Ted’s compassion for him. We may not understand all the reasons why a person is disagreeable, but we don’t have to reciprocate in kind.
Lagniappe. Commentary adds color. If only Ian Darke could broadcast one of our games. “That was an ambitious try.”
