Leadership Lessons From "Game of Thrones" Season 8, Episode #3 (No spoilers included.)
I started watching "Game of Thrones" in March this year at the urging of my sister. I'd heard all the hoopla about it for years, but I knew it wasn't my taste. I don't do medieval period stuff, and my patience for fantasy stories is limited. So I resisted. Because my sister and I share the same taste in most areas of entertainment, I eventually took her up on the suggestion and watched. I admit, I was overwhelmed (and not in a good way) with the very first episode. It was too much of everything. Too much graphic violence, graphic sex, and graphic language. But it was oddly intriguing, and I'm all for giving most things a fair shot. I figured there had to be much more to the story based on the roar of approval from fans, and with seven seasons to catch up on, I knew being judgmental about a single episode wouldn't be fair. So I checked out the next one. Then the next. And then the next. And after that, I was hooked.
After watching sometimes three to four episodes in a single sitting (and even into the wee hours of the night), I was finally caught up two weeks before the start of Season 8--the final season. By this time, the hooks were so deep in my psyche that I was willing to miss work, make my family go hungry, and generally shut out the world to watch the new hotly-anticipated episodes. And boy, have they delivered! Episode three was the pinnacle of the entire eight seasons. This was storytelling that was unmatched by anything I've ever seen depicted on screen. It was perfection. Epic--and not likely to be achieved for a very long time by any other director, actor or writer.
If you have never seen the series, I'll refrain from sharing any spoilers in the event you might want to check it out at some point. You don't have to know anything about "GoT" to appreciate the eight leadership lessons gleaned from this single phenomenal episode. If you have seen it, you'll likely benefit from the veiled (though thinly) references below:
1) When the enemy comes in like a flood to wreck your plans, stand up and fight against what you know is wrong. Moreover, fight for what you know is right and do so tirelessly.
2) Don't become stifled by fear. Problems can appear overwhelming at times; especially when they seem to come in clumps. Before you can knock one down, another arises. But don't run or hide, face them full on until you overcome them.
3) Get the team involved in problem-solving. As a leader, you can't do it all, neither should you try. There are skilled workers in your midst who can take on matters beyond your capacity. Delegate and free yourself to lead them through the process.
4) Slay gigantic problems using some of the simplest solutions. I address this in detail in my upcoming book, Defeating Goliath: Precepts in Solving People Problems. Sometimes small answers resolve big issues.
5) There's no shame in retreating and regrouping to change course when the original plan isn't working. Stay flexible and sharp. Tap the resources you have to figure out the next active step towards success. Trying to force a plan that is clearly ineffective can kill morale.
6) Sometimes the best preparation can fall short right from the start. Don't get discouraged. Accept help that's offered, even if it comes from an unlikely source. You should all be clear about what the end game is so you can achieve it together. There is likely a benefit for everyone.
7) There will always be those on the team that will take the mantle and run with it. Conversely, there will be those who shrink away from tasks when they become overwhelmed with the responsibilities and expectations that come with them. But don't lose sight of those who fall somewhere in the median. They want to do more, but for lack of capacity, are unable to help at particular points in the process. Using their skills and courage at the appropriate time allows them to be a part of the team's success. Give them a chance to try. Their passion and loyalty may surprise you.
8) There will always be setbacks when you're trying to advance to a greater goal. Daily work may seem like an endless series of failures when the journey seems plagued by a lack of resources, human capital, and grit. But when storm clouds gather and block out the vision you've set forth for winning the battle, remind the team about their purpose in completing the mission. They will find a way to beat the competition, overcome the obstacles that crop up constantly, and fly through the toughest part as if on dragon's wings.
Finally, leadership is hard work. Being courageous and focused through each project can mean victory on the battlefield that is the workplace. Taking up arms alongside your team can secure the win in the end. Make your victory epic!