Ep 2: EQ Warriors
The Apple+ Hit TV Show Ted Lasso
"Ted Lasso" is a heartwarming and critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series that combines sports, comedy, and genuine human connections. The show follows the eponymous character, Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to manage a struggling English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond. Despite having no prior experience in soccer, Ted is determined to bring his unique brand of positivity and enthusiasm to the team and its supporters.
Ted's unwavering optimism and unrelenting kindness often clash with the cynical and skeptical British culture of the sport. He faces numerous challenges, from an uncooperative team captain, a narcissistic play boy, a divided fan base, to an owner who has her own agenda. However, Ted's unyielding dedication to his players, staff, and the community slowly begins to change the atmosphere at the club.
Throughout the series, Ted Lasso and his lovable assistant coach, Coach Beard, played by Brendan Hunt, build deep and meaningful relationships with the team's players and staff, including the emotionally scarred team psychologist Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, portrayed by Sarah Niles. Ted's influence extends beyond the soccer pitch, as he helps those around him grow and heal in various aspects of their lives.
The show's charm lies in its ability to balance humor and heartfelt moments while exploring themes of resilience, empathy, and the power of optimism. Ted Lasso's unique leadership style and unwavering belief in the goodness of people gradually transform not only the football team but also those who surround him.
"Ted Lasso" has received critical acclaim for its witty writing, endearing characters, and Jason Sudeikis's brilliant performance. It's a series that celebrates the best in people, showing that kindness and a positive outlook can bring about change and success in even the most challenging situations.
Ted Lasso Through the lens of EQ
What is Emotional intelligence?
Researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer’s (1993) did an intensive deep dive on emotional intelligence (EQ). They defined it as “a type of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ emotions, to discriminate among them and to use the information to guide one’s thinking and actions” (p. 433). This social intelligence is used as a guide for our cognitive processes on how to properly receive and send messages within interpersonal interactions.
What are the 5 elements of emotional intelligence?
Daniel Goleman (1995), a well known researcher on the topic of EQ, has developed five concepts needed to be considered emotionally intelligent: self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills. Goleman’s (1995) definition of EQ, stemming from Salvorey and Meyer (1993), is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and utilize one’s emotions along with the emotions of others.
This ability to recognize, understand, manage, and utilize one's own emotions takes self-awareness and emotional regulation (Goleman, 1995). The ability to recognize, understand, manage, and utilize others emotions takes empathy, motivation, and social skills (Goleman, 1995). Goleman’s work has been highly influential throughout organizational settings since he published Working with Emotional Intelligence (1998) aimed at leadership skills within the workplace.
It will take an individual self-awareness to accomplish emotional regulation while emotional regulation helps create empathy, motivation, and social skills. However, empathy and emotional regulation are also keen to increase one’s social skills. This intrapersonal communication process stems from the ability to self-talk and self-reflect while creating higher self-awareness.
How can you tell if someone is emotionally intelligent?
To assess someone's emotional intelligence, observe how they interact with others, handle stress, communicate, and navigate social situations. Additionally, you can engage in conversations with them that touch on emotions, self-awareness, and interpersonal relationships to get a better sense of their emotional intelligence. Keep in mind that emotional intelligence is not an all-or-nothing trait; it can vary from person to person and can be developed and improved over time with self-awareness and practice.
References
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books, Inc.Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books, Inc.Lawrence, B. (Executive Producer). (2020-2023). Ted Lasso (TV Series). Apple Tv. Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1993). The intelligence of emotional intelligence. Intelligence, 17(4), 433-442. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-2896(93)90010-3
Gina DeVee is a leading entrepreneur for women looking for growth in business ventures, spirituality, and her unique perspective on how to be your best self. She discusses different archetypes and how they are sabotaging our growth and how to become the Queen we all have inside.