Leadership Lessons from Game of Thrones

HBO’s Game of Thrones has become an overnight TV hit. The show has all the ingredients of a thrilling story: a complex plot, intriguing characters, intense dialogues and epic fights. It is known to be full of twists and turns - namely surprising deaths - but it also offers plenty of lessons about life, relationships and leadership. With the sixth season about to start, here's a refresher on what we learned about leadership by watching the previous seasons.

Discover your strengths

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” - Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister may be small in stature, but he makes up for it with intelligence and wit, which he uses to rule behind the scenes. By understanding your strengths, you can focus on what you are good at and you can further develop your skills to become more effective in leading people.

 Understand where true power comes from

“Any man who must say 'I am the king!' is no true king.” - Tywin Lannister

Tywin Lannister might be King by birthright, but he understands that true power does not come from a fancy title and a crown. Likewise, the best leaders are followed based on the collective will, not because they say: “I am the boss.”

Be brave and learn from your mistakes

“Syrio says every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better.” - Arya Stark

Arya is a brave young woman with the heart of a warrior. Like her, learn from mistakes and be better for them. Whether you are protecting your project, your ideas or your team, grow stronger from past stumbles and bruises to become a better leader.

Understand the Power of Collaboration

“They were born on the wrong side of the Wall – that doesn't make them monsters.” - Jon Snow

The illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark, Jon Snow has quickly risen from being the black sheep of the family to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. When he united forces with the despised Wildlings to fight a greater evil, he put their differences aside and forged an unlikely alliance to achieve a common goal. As a leader, you can foster a collaborative environment to bring people together, so each of team member can contribute with their talents to find the best solutions.

Inspire your team

“Will you fight for me? As free men?” - Daenerys Stormborn

Beyond her beauty, the Khaleesi always displayed natural leadership skills and a strong sense of justice. By bringing freedom to the Unsullied, they became the perfect army, driven by passion and allegiance. Likewise, inspiring a workforce will always be more effective than ruling through fear. Would you work harder for a boss who made you miserable or a boss who was fair and made work fun?

Be a role model

“The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.”- Eddard “Ned” Stark

Ned Stark is known for being an honorable and just man. He always means what he says and does what he means. A true leader is someone who can be a role model in all aspects. Don't shy away from making tough calls. You must be accountable and must embody the values you want others to follow.

Are you ready to sit in the Iron Throne?