Government by Ted Lasso! # Believe!
Why Optimism is Real -- and Needed in Government
Y’all, I just published an article today in GovExec bringing together two of my loves: Ted Lasso and government. It’s a culmination of a career-long journey to reconcile the joy and optimism I believe we all deserve to feel in the federal workplace, with the cynicism and disenchantment that not only creeps in, but can dominate our work lives.
This article is for anyone who’s ever been made to feel unserious for bringing optimism, joy, and levity into the federal bureaucracy! You are making a difference, we need you now more than ever, and I hope you can trust that goodness and find the energy to #Believe!
Government by Ted Lasso: Why mindset matters in the federal workplace
The halls of government aren’t exactly known for their cheer. And the uncertainty around the election isn’t helping. Enter Ted Lasso. The relentless optimism, and genuine care of the beloved Apple TV soccer coach offers a vital lesson for government: mindset matters.
In other words, pessimism or optimism – about our colleagues, ourselves, and our collective potential – are self-fulfilling. In an era dominated by cynical TV shows like Succession and Breaking Bad, “Ted Lasso’s” 13 Emmys proves that optimism resonates, too. So let’s stop lollygagging, and bring Ted into government.
Read on HERE and subscribe to my Substack below while you’re at it
Also, some bonus pictures of me doing my best ted lasso impression
Thank you, Alex! I have a finite amount of energy and when I choose to focus it on the positive it lasts longer through the day. I heard a quote years ago that still resonates: "Cynicism is the tool of the lazy thinker." Federal employees are the best in the world and we can and should lead in making government an essential part of the solution.