Leadership Lessons that can be learnt from The Game of Thrones
An awesome range of books, an epic television series and a decent source of some great leadership lessons…
It is highly doubted that George R. R. Martin wrote the series of books as a means of self-help for entrepreneurs seeking advice regarding leadership matters. A story filled to the brim with violence, black magic, dragons and other uncommon twiThe sts, it is impossible to occur in reality, which is very fortunate. However, the essence of the story is the fact that the Game of Thrones is a battle to come out on top; to be the best warrior, the best leader and the best kingdom. Something that any entrepreneur and business leader can relate to.
So what have the Seven Kingdoms and its Lords taught us?
1. Paying attention is crucial.
Season 4, Episode 8, titled The Mountain and the Viper, shows a nail-biting fight between the average sized Prince Oberyn and his giant-sized opponent, Ser Gregor. Taking Prince Oberyn as a small business in the industry, he has agility and is therefore able to run circles around Ser Gregor. However, a momentary slip of concentration gives Ser Gregor the chance to end Oberyns life.
It is always important to stay alert if you want to stay in the game, let alone be ahead of it.
2. Do not underestimate yourself
Anyone who has watched the Game of Thrones is familiar with the phrase “You know nothing, Jon Snow” This, however, is far from the truth. Initially being the illicit son of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, Jon Snow made his way to being Lord Commander of the Night Watch. Why?
Jon Snow is brave, clever, thinks quickly on his feet and believes in himself and his instincts – all the qualities of a true leader. With all these qualities embedded in his nature, he won the hearts and respect of almost everyone around him and has so far remained alive.
Whilst the other Lords of the Seven Kingdoms spent their times doing what Lords do – drinking, eating and sleeping – Snow emerged as a top character to watch in the Game of Thrones. Everyone loves him for he is the underdog and is proof that you should never underestimate yourself.
3. The brave get lucky
With a high propensity to initiate a war, the Dothraki should have been one of the more daunting opponents. However, the Lannisters, the Starks and the Baratheons (other leading armies) were not afraid of the Dothraki for one simple reason: they were afraid of the sea and everyone knew it.
Therefore, despire their frightening appearance and the massive army of 40,000 warriors on horses, their fear made them impotent and unable to grow more powerful. In order to be a leader of an army, and in our case, an organisation, there should be bravery in order to be favored with fortune.
4. Empower your staff and obtain the rewards.
Being a jaw-dropping beauty, Daeneryis had brains and natural leadership skills that helped her get the most out of her clan. In an episode further in the series, Daeneryis, also called “Khaleesi”, created the perfect army by being their Queen and freeing them and encouraged them to be driven by passion and unity. Daeneryis had the ability to inspire her people.
Likewise, having the ability to inspire employees is very important. Think about it. Who would you work harder for? The boss who made each day miserable or the boss who was liberal and made work fun? Inspiration will always bring out the most in people, rather than ruling with fear.
