Leadership Lab - HBO's Succession

Preface

I recently had a chance to catch-up and finish watching HBO’s Succession. This week I wanted to share my take on some leadership lessons that stood out to me from the show … even if it’s from some of the least likeable characters written for a series.

The show is riddled with examples of what not to do, but I’ll be taking the “a broken clock can be right twice a day” approach with these. My interpretations focus on the lessons derived from the situations that the show's characters encountered throughout the series without delving into specific plot points – so this will be spoiler free. I’ll start with an overall take and dive into takes as they relate to specific characters.

Overall

Leadership is a dynamic and context-dependent concept that resists a one-size-fits-all approach. Leadership demands adaptability to address the unique needs of each situation and individual. Different scenarios require varying leadership styles, from a directive approach in crises to an empowering one in innovative contexts. This evolution in effective leadership over time, underscores the importance of flexibility and keeping an open-minded approach.

Anchored in character and moral values, leadership's foundational core remains steady, while personality introduces diversity and style without altering the leader's fundamental identity. Predictability within leadership nurtures trust, sets clear expectations, and enhances stability, which is critical in challenging situations. However, leaders must maintain a delicate balance, as excessive predictability can hinder adaptability and growth in dynamic circumstances. Effective leadership demands a purposefully concocted blend of consistency and flexibility.

Character Specific

Jarring personalities, ones purposely written for audiences to love to dislike, and judgements about character and decisions aside, here are three leadership takeaways from some of the characters throughout the series.

1. Adaptability is Crucial: Logan Roy, the ruthless patriarch of the family, is stubborn, pragmatic and completely uninhibited by the opinions of others of him. Despite these not so redeeming qualities, Logan demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout the series. Even though he was successful for decades, he showed an ability to evolve and change with the times, always staying one step ahead of his competition. He was quick to recognize the shifting winds of power and wealth within the family and the world around him, and he adapted his strategies accordingly.
2. Lead with Logic, not Emotion: Shiv Roy, probably the most cerebral and strategic member of the Roy children, demonstrated time and time again why leaders should lead with logic, rather than emotion. Shiv was able to demonstrate on multiple occasions an ability to set emotion aside, albeit taking time and us along with her on the processing journey, and make decisions based on logic, no matter how difficult the choices ended up being. By relying on data and analysis, rather than personal connections and emotions, leaders can make more informed and effective decisions, ultimately leading to greater success and achievement.
3. Humility is as a Grounding Force that Moves Us Forward: Roman Roy, is the most unapologetically himself character in the series, that’s putting it mildly, Roman showed surprising moments of humility throughout the show. Despite his arrogance and complete lack of filter, Roman was not immune to the weight of his family's legacy and the pressure to live up to his father's expectations. In fact, his struggles with this burden were a major source of conflict throughout the series. Humble leaders who acknowledge their limitations and embrace learning not only make better decisions but also promote a growth-oriented environment, encouraging teamwork and progress.

Closing

The HBO series Succession was a good watch, it also offered some interestingly profound insights and lessons on leadership. These lessons remind me of the enduring principles essential for leadership success. The adaptability demanded by diverse and fluid situations, how taking emotion out of the equation is necessary to make the right choices no matter how hard they are, or the grounding influence of humility, these takeaways provide invaluable guidance for aspiring leaders.

Leadership is a dynamic journey, and these principles set the path toward effective, flexible, and empathetic leadership, ensuring our success stories are told in the unfolding drama of the business world.