Which Game of Thrones leader are you?

In the real world, leaders come in various forms. The same holds true in HBO’s fabulous Game of Thrones.  Every major character, from Cersei Lannister to Daenerys Targaryen, has their very own style of doing things. Time and again, I am asked what the show might teach us as business people about different leadership styles and the way people manage.

Over the last seven seasons, we have come to learn that attaining power is hard, and maintaining power is even harder.  Corporate competition often lies in outmanoeuvring opponents for promotions but also in collaborating with fellow colleagues and occasionally with bitter rivals.  Our favourite characters in Game of Thrones all take very different approaches to leadership and these approaches can lead to very different results.

Though today’s workplace is not set in a mythical land, there are certainly a number of lessons that can be learnt from the successes and failures of our favourite fictional characters.

Throughout the show we see a variety of leadership styles. Which do you recognise and relate to the most?

1.The self-serving leader

If you guessed Cersei Lannister, you would be correct. She falls under the category of a calculating and manipulative leader who would probably not win her position by popular vote. Though her methods are sometimes questionable, Cersei does know how to get things done. But her approach can be shady, secretly working behind the scenes and behind people’s backs, which is not an attractive characteristic.

People want to believe their managers are open and up-front with them, but often this is not the case. Unlike Cersei, business leaders should work to build a culture of trust in their organisation through open communication with members of the team. More often than not, people can tell if their employer is not being honest and truthful with them and this isn’t good for anyone.  

2. The young and inspiring leader

Though at times impetuous, Jon Snow knows how to inspire action. No matter the circumstance, he leads by example, which ultimately encourages others to join him in his endeavours no matter how dangerous, risky or outlandish they may be. He constantly captures his followers’ attention and they are alert and ready for whatever comes their way.

In today’s world it would be safe to say that Jon Snow would have a very inspired and engaged workforce, something that is often hard to achieve. It seems that many leaders could learn from Snow’s style. A good leader does not order people around and micromanage, but instead jumps into the fray and leads by example. When members of the team see their leaders rolling up their sleeves and that they are unafraid to face difficult tasks, they will happily follow suit and become more engaged and feel more loyal to the organisation.

3. The leader with the best intentions

Over the years we have seen Daenerys Targaryen attempt to make all the right decisions for her people. However, her youth and naivety have frequently left her susceptible to being misled by the guile of others.  However, what she lacks in wisdom she more than makes up for by putting her people first - as every good leader should.

In my experience, the team’s perception of their leader’s interest in their health, safety and development has been shown to increase their engagement. A leader who cares is a leader who is committed to the growth and wellbeing of the team. Even leaders who aren’t the most seasoned will gain tremendous advantage by putting people first.

4. The leader who plays to their strengths  

A wise leader who values knowledge and intelligence, Tyrion Lannister knows how to play to his strengths, leveraging his family status and knowledge to build advantageous relationships and ultimately to survive. He’s well aware that he’ll never be able to wield a sword like his brother Jamie, but he doesn’t let this hold him back - instead he uses his charisma, humour and occasional ruthlessness to get ahead.

Even though Tyrion isn’t the Commander of a great army, or battling for the throne, we see his leadership skills showcased as a mentor to others, advising both King Joffrey and Queen Daenerys as Hand of the King/Queen. His charm and intelligence allow him to exert influence over others, which is hugely valuable in business. Every company would benefit from having an excellent self-aware negotiator like Tyrion.

Overall, great power is a brutal business. It demands a high price. Game of Thrones illustrates time and again that those leaders who are willing to make great personal sacrifice make the best leaders, and that those who don’t fail.

What’s more, we haven't even seen yet what the Night King, ‘Old Blue Eyes’ as I call him, is capable of.  He might yet turn out to be the greatest leader of the lot. Roll on season 8…