LEADERSHIP GAME OF THRONES STYLE
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP FROM GAME OF THRONES THIS IS A SPECIAL WEEK FOR GAME OF THRONES FANS ACROSS THE GLOBE – SERIES 6 HAS ARRIVED. TO WHET YOUR APPETITE, AND TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR THE NEXT INSTALMENT OF HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, WE SPENT SOME TIME REVIEWING THE STORY SO FAR, AND THE CHARACTERS THAT MAKE IT SO UNMISSABLE, TO UNCOVER SOME LEADERSHIP MANTRAS THAT WE WOULD ALL DO WELL TO ABIDE BY:
LESSON 1: DO YOUR OWN DIRTY WORK In the first ever episode, Eddard Stark shows strength of character when he insists that he is the one who should carry out the execution of a deserting member of the Night’s Watch. As tempting as it may be to do otherwise, “the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword” – a critical leadership value if you’re to be perceived as credible, honourable and courageous. If asked to do the dirty work on behalf of a colleague remember Ned’s words about the ‘hand of the King’ – “their days are too long and their lives are too short”….
LESSON 2: BE YOURSELF “Never forget who you are; wear it like an honour, and then it can never be used against you” - great advice given to Jon Snow by Tyrion Lannister. Authentic, believable leaders don’t try to be someone else and warmly accept themselves; faults and all. Not an excuse for an unwillingness to adapt and learn, but instead a call to be human, authentic and appropriately vulnerable.
LESSON 3: DON’T SHOWBOAT More great advice from Ned Stark as he declines an offer to duel with Jaime Lannister – “I don’t fight in tournaments because when I fight a man for real I don’t want him to know what I can do.” Beware being goaded into battles that are irrelevant, distracting or potentially damaging. Instead, focus on doing the right things well.
LESSON 4: FEED THE MIND “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone,” says Tyrion Lannister in response to John Snow’s question about why he reads so much. Take time to be informed about things far and wide that may have an impact on your organisation and its success or plant the seed of ideas with potential. Tyrion Lannister has a knack of getting out of trouble with his speed of thought and way with words.
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LESSON 5: NEGLECT NETWORKS AT YOUR PERIL Lord Vari has faced challenges in life but always seems able to become a valuable part of the current leadership team around the Iron Throne. His secret – his network! Granted, his approach may not be for the feint-hearted and his intent may be questionable but his unfailing efforts in ‘oiling the wheels’ make for insightful viewing. His mantra, as shared with Lady Stark, – “knowledge is my trade dear lady”….
LESSON 6: CREATE VALUE A valuable lesson in surviving a meritocracy for Jon Snow from his Uncle at the Wall. “Here, a man gets what he earns when he earns it…you’re better than no-one.” Focus on creating value and sustainable relationships rather than climbing up the slippery pole and the climb will take care of itself. Expedite everyone and they will expedite you…and they are far more likely to be with you when the going gets tough…
LESSON 7: VALUE RESERVES Perhaps a little pessimistic, but always remember “winter is coming.” Build up valuable reserves when things are good – don’t be tempted to make too much ‘hay while the sun shines’ at the expenses of the tools and resources you may need when it does not.
LESSON 8: ALIGNMENT Cersei Lannister appears confused when King Robert asks her “which is the bigger number – five or one?” Irritated by his question, “five” she responds. The King then uses his fist to show the power of five armies operating as one. Leadership alignment and commitment to a cause and course of action are critical to success in any endeavour and can be the key to achieving surprising results against formidable opponents.
LESSON 9: BIG DOSE OF REALITY Start where you are when heading for a big fat hairy audacious goal. In the words of Littlefinger, “only by admitting what we are can we get what we want.” A reality check and genuine understanding and acceptance of where you or the business or the leadership team really are is the first step towards goal accomplishment.
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LEADERSHIP GAME OF THRONES STYLE
LESSON 10: DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE Believe in your cause and your ability to succeed but don’t become a victim of cult-like worship. Stannis and his idolisation of Melisandre (his priestess amongst other things) led him to make decisions and take actions that were immoral, inhuman, and ultimately led to his downfall. Be objective about potential fads and fashions, ideas and people; always retain agency to decide and act, and demonstrate ‘level 4 – self authored’ thinking.
And last but certainly not least:
LESSON 11: SUCCESSION FOR STABILITY If there is one ultimate lesson to be learned from GOT it is that succession planning cannot be underestimated. Timely, planned succession, communicated transparently, with a range of options and structured development (imagine how Joffrey may have ruled given some transition support) and supported by objective evaluation of high potential candidates (Joffrey wouldn’t have made the mark here) may just have saved a lot of heartache for the Seven Kingdoms!
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