“The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks.” – African Proverb
There’s a dart game moment in Ted Lasso that when I watched it, it gave me goosebumps!
Rupert, the arrogant ex-husband, challenges Ted, thinking it’ll be an easy win. He underestimates him. Ted quietly accepts, all smiles, no chest-thumping. And then, right before landing his final dart, Ted drops the hammer: “Be curious, not judgmental.”
That’s a whole leadership lesson wrapped in one short scene.
Rupert loses not because he’s a bad dart player, but because he never bothered to ask about Ted. He assumed. He judged. Leaders fall into the same trap when they decide too quickly who someone is, what they can do, or what their limits are. Assumptions create blind spots.
How many times have you written someone off too quickly – only to be surprised later? Maybe it was the quiet team member who ended up being the most dependable. Or the new hire who, once given the right opportunity, became a top performer. Judgment blinds us. Curiosity reveals potential.
Ted explains he was underestimated his whole life because people weren’t curious about him. They didn’t ask questions. In leadership, curiosity unlocks potential.
Instead of writing someone off, you ask:
1. What skills does this person have?
2. What motivates them?
3. What’s holding them back?
4. How can I help them in life accomplish more through my platform and leadership?
5. What do I need to do to help unlock their potential?
Those questions open doors that judgment slams shut.
“Work hard in silence, let success be your noise.” – Frank Ocean
Ted never bragged. He didn’t need to announce how good he was. He just prepared, stayed humble, and delivered when it counted.
That’s the mark of true leadership. If you constantly have to brag about what you’re doing, or broadcast every little thing you accomplish, you’re not leading with quiet confidence – you’re looking for validation. Quiet confidence doesn’t need a megaphone. It doesn’t need applause. It knows that the scoreboard, the results, and the growth of the people around you are proof enough.
Insecure leaders shout. Confident leaders show. They trust that consistent actions over time will speak louder than any self-promotion ever could.
Rupert was playing for ego. Ted was playing for values, for respect, for something much bigger than himself. That’s the difference between insecure leaders and secure ones: one seeks to dominate, the other seeks to elevate.
“Well done is better than well said.” – Benjamin Franklin
I’ll tie a bow with this… Next time you’re tempted to judge somebody – pause. Swap out judgment for curiosity. The team member you overlook today may be the one who wins the game for you tomorrow. Take time to ask questions. Be curious. I’ve learned so much throughout my leadership journey simply by asking questions.
Curiosity leads to growth. Judgment leads to blind spots. Lead with humility. Stay curious. And let your actions do the talking.