Friends,
Recently I have been reflecting on a contemporary version of the old college “bluebook” test question that began with "compare and contrast.” In particular I have been comparing Trump’s leadership style with that of TV character Ted Lasso and then, similarly, with Denver Nuggets basketball star, Nikola Jokic. I admit it is a set up of sorts, but it is so crucial that we all know that our better angels will prevail with leadership grounded in kindness over leadership based on harmful exploitation. This past couple of weeks we have yet again been subjected daily with a Trump persona parading through the headlines. Even through he is embroiled in a number of serious legal problems, the media seems to need to cover his every move and public statement as though he has a semi-permanent residence in both conservative and mainline media outlets. It is a temptation assume, as have his followers, that his leadership style is superior. The consistent image is Trump as a powerful figure able to command the spotlight and maintain power through sheer charismatic dominance, unaccountable bullying, and an obsession with putting himself above others. I have reluctantly concluded he represents a consistent, historical stream in the American psyche that primarily seeks to gain and maintain dominance, to win, and like the New York’s state motto, to become an “ Empire State.” So the Trump model of leadership is not new. In comparison, those who have followed the “Ted Lasso” TV series have been offered an alternate form of successful leadership. The Ted Lasso character’s influence flows from his knack for what I will call "jujitsu kindness,” the ability to undermine situational animosities and tensions with a persistent commitment to switch the narrative and somehow bring out the best in others, in part by non-cooperation with the apparent tensions, and in part by offering his own version of sagely advice to create an alternative. He does this by changing personal attitudes from insecure egos to increasing amounts of mutual empathy and acts of kindness. And thus the whole culture around him is transformed, his team is more successful, and we eventually realize all this is possible through the triumph of cooperation and mutual respect. Ted Lasso is a fictional character, of course, and his character can be both comedic and vulnerable as the writers wish. But his character, interestingly, is inspired by the real life writer and director of the series, Jason Sudeikis, who actually is personally committed to live by the ideals represented by the Ted Lasso style of leadership. The crossover between the fictional Ted Lasso and his real life influence was recognized when President Biden invited some of the Ted Lasso cast to the White House to honor the Ted Lasso model of kindness as a welcome alternative for us to follow in our own lives. And just as the Trump model represents a particular part of the American psyche, many of us also believe that the Ted Lasso model represents an even stronger sentiment in our Americana that produces thousands of acts of kindness and mutual support in and around us each day. I can’t resist noting that in a similar mode of mutual support, the Denver Nugget’s basketball star, Nikola Jokic, is honored certainly as the current premier pro basketball star, but quite unexpectedly Jokic is also even more highly praised and recognized for his humility and commitment to teamwork. Past greats in basketball were most often recognized for their scoring ability, but Jokic is surprisingly best known not only for his points scored but for his passing ability, his willingness and skill at selflessly engaging his teammates rather than calling primary attention to himself. He shuns attention and prefers to present himself as just a “normal” person in contrast to the egotism and self aggrandizement of most star athletes. And I am reminded of a number of historical figures whose lives of humble and loving leadership have changed the world. I think of St. Francis especially this evening, whose insistence on simplicity, pacifism, and gentle respect for all creation literally transformed his contemporary world and all these generations since - including being the model for the present Pope. You will have your own favorite examples of leadership with kindness and the ability to transform their world through mutual respect and love, perhaps specially remembering your father or grandfather on this Father’s Day weekend. Most of us recognize the importance and effectiveness of embodying acts of kindness. But our challenge is to take our aspirations for kindness into the fray of the world mindset of Donald Trump and his followers. Just as Ted Lasso could transform the range of troubled personalities associated with his team with his uncanny “jujitsu kindness,” each of us is also called to win over and convert the fear and belligerence of our neighbors, co-workers, and others by acts of kindness if possible. Peace, Tom
1 Comment
Larry Daloz
6/18/2023 02:28:11 pm
Beautiful again, Tom! The comparison strikes home and delivers a clear, accessible message. Keep it up!
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