Curiosity #17 - Leadership is yoga

🎤 Quotable quotes: “The very heart of yoga practice is ‘abyhasa’—steady effort in the direction you want to go.” — Sally Kempton

We are clearly Ted Lasso geeks. We also love geeking out on all things leadership - from John Maxwell to Bob Burg and John David Mann to Brene Brown. (Ted might say - if you’ve seen one definition of leadership, you’ve seen… one definition of leadership.)

Some focus on influence, others on service and others on courage or vision. And then we had this thought… leadership is yoga (Roy Kent and friends would love it!)

4 ways leadership is like yoga:

1️⃣ Stretch Beyond Your Comfort Zone – Growth happens when you lean into the uncomfortable moments. Ted sure did when he took on soccer (um, futball).

2️⃣ Balance is Key – Leadership is a constant balancing act, like keeping Dani Rojas’ joy in the locker room while holding Jamie Tartt accountable.

3️⃣ Stay Grounded – When chaos hits, breathe. Ted always finds a way to exhale (usually over biscuits or a dartboard or sometimes just being a goldfish).

4️⃣ Keep Practicing – There’s no final whistle in leadership. Every day is an opportunity to lace up your boots and get back on the field - or pitch.

Ted Lasso taught us that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and making people feel believe-able. Just like yoga, it’s a practice. You’re not trying to win; you’re trying to grow. No one gets first place in yoga class. 

Here’s the kicker: Leadership, like yoga, isn’t about looking good. It’s about building the kind of character that makes others want to follow you.

What’s your leadership “yoga pose” right now? Are you working on balance? Stretching your limits? Or simply showing up on the pitch?

• Yoga Pose: The Downward Dog is awkward at first.
  Leadership Move: Giving tough feedback or owning a mistake can feel just as awkward, but practice makes progress.

• Yoga Pose: The Tree Pose is all about balance—lean too far one way, and down you go.
  Leadership Move: Balancing empathy with accountability keeps you steady. Lean too far in either direction, and things can topple.

• Yoga Pose: The Child’s Pose reminds you it’s okay to rest.
  Leadership Move: Rest isn’t weakness. It’s how you stay in the game for the long haul.

Leadership is just like yoga. It’s not about nailing the perfect pose or always having your game face on—nope, it’s about showing up, wobbling a bit (or a lot), and getting stronger every day. No one leaves a yoga class saying I came in first place! I won yoga!

Yoga is a practice. And leadership is a practice.

Take Action:
💡 P.S. This is just one of the principles we explore in Lead It Like Lasso and our masterclass. If you’re ready to flex your leadership muscles and build a practice rooted in character, check out our book and course. The first step? Showing up.

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: What’s one activity you have tried to stretch outside your comfort zone?
Staying comfortable isn't going to promote growth. When's the last time you pushed yourself? Having this conversation with your team can generate conversations on ways to help push each other.

🏅Whistle. Whistle.: 
Roy Kent would say: “You’re not perfect. Stop trying to be. Do the work. That’s leadership.”
Tough love reminder: If you’re not willing to get uncomfortable, don’t expect others to follow you. Stretch beyond your limits.

📚Beard’s collection: 

📖 Coyle, Daniel. The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills. Bantam, 2012.
A practical guide filled with bite-sized strategies for building expertise, this book emphasizes that growth is about small, actionable steps. It’s a fantastic resource for leaders looking to continuously improve their practice.

📖 Colvin, Geoff. Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else. Portfolio, 2008.
This book challenges the idea of innate talent, arguing that deliberate practice is the key to success. It’s a great reminder for leaders that mastery comes from focused, intentional effort—just like yoga.

📖 Lemov, Doug, Erica Woolway, and Katie Yezzi. Practice Perfect: 42 Rules for Getting Better at Getting Better. Jossey-Bass, 2012.

This book breaks down the science of deliberate practice and how small, intentional improvements lead to mastery. Leadership, like yoga, isn’t about talent—it’s about commitment, repetition, and refining your approach over time. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or growing in your own career, these 42 rules help turn everyday moments into opportunities for better leadership.

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

We want to give a huge shout out to the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for having us come lead a workshop on how to Lead it Like Lasso. We met so many cool people! And wow - The Arkansas Way very much aligns with the values of Ted Lasso.

Until next week—stay curious, stay resilient, and keep believing! 

Marnie and Nick