Two completely different threads recently intersected in a way I hadn’t anticipated, and I thought this would make for a good topic of discussion. One thread ties back to watching the show Ted Lasso recently, and I’ve been thinking an interesting/fun post could be to use quotes from the show to highlight leadership principles. This, afterall, seems to align nicely with the purpose of this blog.

A completely separate thread is digging into ChatGPT training modules at work to understand how this will impact me going forward. Certainly, from a technology perspective and how it many impact my approach to bringing products to market. But also, with how Product Management may have to evolve as a result of this new technology. Why do I think it will have an impact? Well, just consider these two poignant facts from the training module:

• ChatGPT is the fastest platform to reach 100M users in the history of all computing.
• ChatGPT crossed the chasm for AI into the mainstream and is ushering in the 4th industrial revolution.

So, you may be wondering ‘what is the intersection’? Good question. In one of the training modules the instructor was talking about using ChatGPT for communication … with emails, social media posts, and even blogs. Hmmm … what if I ask it to write the article for me? So, I decided to test it out and see how it works.

Generated Post (test #1 from ChatGPT)

Leadership is a vital aspect of any successful team or organization. It requires a unique set of qualities that help to inspire and guide people towards a common goal. Ted Lasso, the titular character of the hit Apple TV+ show, is a perfect example of a leader who possesses these qualities. In this post, we will explore some of Ted Lasso’s most memorable quotes and how they can teach us about leadership.

1. “Be curious, not judgmental.”

This quote from Ted Lasso is an excellent example of how leaders should approach their team members. As a leader, it’s easy to jump to conclusions about someone’s actions or behavior. However, a good leader should always take the time to understand their team members and their motivations.

By being curious and asking questions, leaders can gain valuable insights into their team members’ strengths and weaknesses. They can also learn about their team members’ goals and aspirations, which can help them to provide more effective guidance and support.

2. “Believe in yourself, and you can do anything.”

Belief in oneself is a critical trait for any leader. When you believe in yourself, you can inspire others to believe in themselves as well. This is especially important when facing challenges or setbacks.

As a leader, it’s essential to show confidence in your abilities and the abilities of your team. This can help to build trust and create a positive, can-do attitude that can drive success.

3. “Do you believe in miracles?”

This quote is a famous line from the movie “Miracle,” and it’s a favorite of Ted Lasso’s. It’s a powerful reminder that anything is possible if you believe in it.

As a leader, it’s important to foster a culture of possibility and positivity. This means encouraging your team to think big, take risks, and believe in their abilities. By doing so, you can create an environment that inspires innovation and creativity.

4. “There’s always a way to be more creative and find a solution.”

Creativity is a vital skill for leaders, as it allows them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems. Ted Lasso understands the power of creativity and encourages his team to embrace it.

As a leader, it’s important to foster a culture of creativity by encouraging your team to try new things and take risks. This can help to inspire new ideas and approaches that can lead to breakthroughs.

5. “Lead by example, not by fear.”

This quote from Ted Lasso is perhaps the most important of all. It reminds us that true leadership comes from leading by example, not by fear or intimidation.

Leaders who lead by fear may get results in the short term, but they will ultimately create a toxic environment that stifles creativity and innovation. By leading by example, leaders can inspire their team to work harder and be their best selves.

In conclusion, Ted Lasso is a great example of a leader who possesses the qualities that make for great leadership. His quotes remind us to be curious, believe in ourselves, embrace creativity, and lead by example. By following these principles, we can all become better leaders and help our teams to achieve greatness.

Regenerated Post (test #2 from ChatGPT)

Leadership is a critical component in any organization’s success. Good leaders inspire their team members, motivate them to achieve their goals, and create a positive work environment. However, leadership is not just about telling people what to do. It’s about setting an example, guiding them, and helping them reach their full potential.

Ted Lasso, the protagonist of the eponymous TV show, is a perfect example of a great leader. Despite being a fictional character, Ted’s leadership philosophy can teach us a lot about what it takes to be a good leader. Here are some Ted Lasso quotes that highlight the key attributes of effective leadership:

1. “Be curious, not judgmental.”

One of the fundamental qualities of a good leader is being open-minded and curious. A leader who is always willing to learn and explore new ideas is more likely to inspire their team members to do the same. Being judgmental, on the other hand, can lead to a negative work environment and hinder creativity.

2. “I believe in hope. I believe in believe.”

Leadership is all about inspiring hope and belief in your team. A good leader must be able to see the potential in their team members and inspire them to reach their goals. A leader who believes in their team’s abilities can help them achieve the impossible.

3. “The happiest animal in the world is a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.”

Leadership requires resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. A good leader must be able to let go of failures and move on to the next challenge. Being able to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity is crucial for inspiring and motivating team members.

4. “Success is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

A good leader must be able to set clear goals and objectives for their team. However, it’s important to remember that success is not just about achieving those goals. It’s about the journey you take to get there. A good leader must be able to celebrate small victories and appreciate the effort their team members put in.

5. “You know what the happiest animal on earth is? It’s a human. Just one with a healthy mix of realism and hope.”

Leadership requires a balance of realism and hope. A good leader must be able to see things as they are while also having faith in their team’s ability to overcome challenges. Being able to strike this balance can help a leader inspire their team members to achieve their goals.

In conclusion, effective leadership requires a combination of skills and qualities. Being open-minded, curious, and resilient, having a positive attitude, setting clear goals, and inspiring hope and belief are all essential qualities of a good leader. Ted Lasso’s leadership philosophy can teach us a lot about what it takes to be an effective leader, and his quotes are a testament to the power of leadership in creating a positive work environment and inspiring team members to achieve their goals.

The Verdict

Not bad at all. Although, there are a few quotes I certainly would have included where the generated content did not.

• Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong. [PH] – this reminds me of another quote I’ve used from racecar driver Mario Andretti … “if everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough”.
• I think that you might be so sure that you’re one in a million, that sometimes you forget that out there you’re just one in 11. [PH] – our talent alone is not good enough; teamwork is what drives success.
• I think things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one. [PH] – everything in life s a learning experience.
• Believe. [PH] – the simple sign over the locker room office door! For fellow sci-fi fans out there, this obscure quote will resonate … “I don’t care WHAT you believe in. Just believe!”

The second test definitely appealed more to me than the first test did (in ChatGPT, with the same question you can ask it to regenerate the response for a different outcome). And while there are stark differences in the way I write and the words I use (for example, I can’t ever think of a time where I have used the word ‘titular’ or ‘eponymous’ in a written or spoken context ), in general both examples were not bad.

But with these simple tests using the technology, I can certainly understand some of the arguments mentioned in the training course about the education arena being up in arms. Like any tool, I can see the positives/benefits in using something like this in various contexts. But I can also easily see the potential for abuse/misuse. I am certainly looking forward to digging in and learning more.