Curiosity #12 - 🎁Top 10 Gifts Ted Lasso has given us all

🎤 Quotable quotes: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." – Pablo Picasso

📰 Let's start with this week's leadership musings by Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio

🎁 Top 10 Gifts Ted Lasso has given us

(in addition to these books given to the team ;) )

Well, would you look at that—it’s Christmas! And what better time to unwrap some of the greatest gifts Ted Lasso has given us (don’t worry, no return receipts needed). These aren’t the kind of presents you’ll find under a tree or hidden in a stocking—these are leadership gems that stick with you longer than you favorite Aunt's fruitcake. From the gift of curiosity (always asking “why,” never “why not”) to the simple joy of gratitude, Ted’s lessons are the kind of gifts that keep on giving. So, cozy up, grab a tea (or some nog), and let’s dive in like Roy Kent on a defensive tackle.

1. The Gift of Curiosity

Lesson: Approach every situation with curiosity, not judgment.
Actionable Task:

• Ask one “why” question in your next conversation to learn something deeper about the other person.
  Reflection Question:
• When was the last time curiosity helped you connect with someone or solve a problem?

2. The Gift of Optimism

Lesson: See setbacks as setups for comebacks.
Actionable Task:

• Write down one recent failure and list three positive lessons or opportunities that came from it.
  Reflection Question:
• How can you reframe your biggest challenge today into an opportunity?

3. The Gift of Empathy

Lesson: Walk in someone else’s shoes before making assumptions.
Actionable Task:

• Practice active listening—repeat back what someone says before sharing your response.
  Reflection Question:
• How can you better understand someone else’s perspective this week?

4. The Gift of Belief

Lesson: Believe in yourself—and others—even when the odds seem impossible.
Actionable Task:

• Send a quick note of encouragement to someone who needs it.
  Reflection Question:
• Who’s believed in you during tough times, and how did it impact you?

5. The Gift of Playfulness

Lesson: Don’t take yourself too seriously—humor builds connections and resilience.
Actionable Task:

• Plan one fun activity this week (even if it’s just a silly icebreaker in a meeting).
  Reflection Question:
• How can humor help you lead more effectively?

6. The Gift of Forgiveness

Lesson: Let go of grudges so you can grow.
Actionable Task:

• Write down one grudge you’re holding onto and what it’s costing you. Then, choose one step toward letting it go.
  Reflection Question:
• What would change if you fully forgave someone—or yourself—today?

7. The Gift of Resilience

Lesson: Get back up, no matter how many times you get knocked down.
Actionable Task:

• Journal about a time you overcame a tough situation and what helped you push through.
  Reflection Question:
• How can you build more resilience for future challenges?

8. The Gift of Vulnerability

Lesson: Strength comes from showing your authentic self.
Actionable Task:

• Share something you’re struggling with (professionally or personally) with a trusted person this week.
  Reflection Question:
• How can vulnerability help you build stronger relationships?

9. The Gift of Teamwork

Lesson: Success is about lifting others up, not going it alone.
Actionable Task:

• Offer specific praise to a teammate for their contribution on a recent project.
  Reflection Question:
• How can you show more appreciation to your team?

10. The Gift of Gratitude

Lesson: Focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong.
Actionable Task:

• Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning this week.
  Reflection Question:
• How does gratitude shift your mindset and impact those around you?

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: 

"If you could give someone a 'leadership gift'—like optimism, resilience, or empathy—which one would it be and why?"

This encourages participants to reflect on the newsletter’s themes while thinking about the qualities they value most in leadership.

🏅Whistle. Whistle. Roy Kent exemplifies the power of being fully present, honest, and unapologetically authentic. His tough-love approach inspires respect while fostering growth.
Actionable Task:
Think about a tough conversation or decision you’ve been avoiding. Commit to addressing it directly, with honesty and kindness.

Reflection Question:
What’s one way you can channel Roy’s mix of candor and care in your own leadership this week?

Bonus Roy Kent Quote:
“It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing the right thing—even when it’s hard.”

📚Beard’s collection: Recommended books and articles

📖 Ruhlin, John. Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Drive Referrals, and Strengthen Retention. Lioncrest Publishing, 2016.
Ruhlin explores the power of strategic gift-giving to create meaningful connections and long-term relationships in leadership and business. This book highlights the value of intentionality—just like Ted Lasso’s thoughtful approach to relationships and leadership gifts in this newsletter.

📖 Chapman, Gary. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People. Northfield Publishing, 2010.
Chapman shows how understanding people’s appreciation styles can improve workplace morale and create stronger connections. Ted Lasso reminds us to recognize and respond to what others need emotionally, just like learning someone’s "language" helps build meaningful connections.

📖 Gordon, Jon. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy. Wiley, 2007.
Gordon’s uplifting story reveals how optimism and positivity fuel leadership success and transform obstacles into opportunities. Ted Lasso’s optimism mirrors the lessons in this book, showing how positive energy can lead teams to overcome challenges and achieve success.

🌎 This week in Here - There - Every F’ing where 

There's no place like gnome (for the holidays). And we all know there is no place like AFC Richmond!

Happy Holidays! Marnie and Nick

📦 Nate’s suggestion box: We love hearing your ideas! Got a thought about leadership or new year plans? Reply to this email and let us know. Your suggestion might just make it into a future newsletter.

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Who in your life has given you one of these gifts? Share this list and let them know!

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