LESSONS FROM THE GAME OF THRONES!

HBO’s Game of Thrones , a television show based on
George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed novels entitled A
Song of Ice and Fire, has become a cultural
phenomenon. Although originally intended for adults,
even young ones just can’t help to watch this show.
Game of Thrones has obtained a range of active
international fan base worldwide and has received
popular recognition from various critics. Game of
Thrones is not just a thrilling story. Yes, it has epic
fight scenes, thought-provoking dialogues, intriguing
characters with complicated and complex
personalities, and compelling plot, but it is more than
that. The show runs deeper than your typical fantasy
escapism. It is arguably one of the wittiest and most
distinct shows in television, which can make its
audience wonder of what’s going on at all. The Game
of Thrones universe is full of life lessons. This show
encompass a lot of betrayals, deceits, and ruling
power, but it will also teach you more about life,
relationships, and, of course leadership. This series
will show you how to rule a kingdom or, in our reality,
how to become an effective leader. Here are a few
valuable leadership lessons from the best and the
worst leaders of Westeros.

1.  Trust with Caution
Be careful in choosing who you trust. In Game of
Thrones, the audience is deliberately told not to trust
anyone or risk getting killed. Though you may not risk
being murdered, this is a good reminder to trust with
caution. Do not give too much information to people
you barely know, especially when it comes to
managing or leading a company. However, trust is one
of the keys to organizational and better performance.
No one can lead a team without trusting anybody. So,
as a leader, identify whom you should trust and how
you can gain the trust of others in order to reach your
goals.
“I swear to you, sitting in a throne is a thousand
times harder than winning one.” – Robert
Baratheo

2.  Lead by Example
Ned Stark is known for being an honorable and just
man in Game of Thrones. His character is one good
example of being an effective leader. He
always means what he says and does what he means.
Ned puts his swords to his words and doesn’t stay out
of duty, no matter how unpleasant it could be. A true
leader is someone who can be a role model in all
aspects. You must be accountable and must embody
the values you want others to follow. Remember, they
are watching you so you should exemplify the best.
Take responsibility and inspire greatness to those you
lead.
“The man who passes the sentence should swing
the sword.”- Eddard “Ned” Stark

3. Discover Your Strength
Tyrion Lannister might be small in stature, but he is
known for being good at ruling behind the scenes.
His fascinating ability to see everything in a different
perspective is what makes him one of the best
characters in the show. Though he had been
humiliated throughout his life, he makes up for it in his
wit and intelligence. Tyrion is driven by nothing other
than his strengths and will to survive his own reality.
As a leader, Tyrion should inspire you to discover your
strengths and use them to achieve your goals. 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.
“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

4. Stand Firm in Your Convictions
The manipulative, brilliant strategist and
stoic commander, Tywin Lannister, urges you to stand
firm in your convictions. He is known for his unfettered
and dominant attitude to ensure that the Lannister
legacy lives on. He rules based on what he thinks is
right and never allow anyone to deter his decisions.
More often than not, leaders are either making
decisions with other people or their decision impacts
others. Being a leader you are bound to make
decisions for the good of all and not only for yourself.
Learn how to stand firm in your convictions. Do not let
the personal choices of others make you doubt on your
own.
“The lion doesn’t concern himself with the
opinion of a sheep.”- Tywin Lannister

5. Know Your Worth
Daenerys, the mother of dragons, knows exactly what
she deserves and what she dreamed of. Despite the
struggles she has overcome, Daenerys never
underestimated herself. She has no training in
commanding an army, but she gained confidence and
strength to lead the Dothraki people after realizing her
worth. As a leader you have to practice believing in
yourself so others will trust you. Never underestimate
the things that you can and cannot do as you lead
people. Show what you can do and become better at it.
Just like Daenerys, know how extraordinary you are
and don’t undervalue your worth. You are a leader so
stand with conviction and act like one.
“I’m no ordinary woman. My dreams come true.”
- Daenerys Targaryen

6. Take Command
In the fourth season of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow
has proven his leadership skill. Snow is wise,
compassionate, and a natural leader. Using his natural
leadership, he led the Night’s Watch in battle against
the wildlings and successfully holds the Wall against
overwhelming odds. Taking command is having the
authority to direct people into strategic position. As a
leader know how to guide others into action and not
coerce them. Engage and energize the workforce
through motivating them and earning their trust. Once
you trust your people you can establish command by
supporting behaviors that bring good results.
“I’m the watcher on The Wall.” - Jon Snow

7. Increase Your Knowledge
Petyr Baelish comes from humble origin, but because
of his skills and knowledge on how to connect with
people, he became one of the most powerful officials in
the Seven Kingdoms. Knowledge is important in
becoming a leader. Knowledge brings respect. If you
are knowledgeable in leading people, it is easier for
you to earn respect and trust from others.
“Knowledge is power”- Petyr “Littlefinger”
Baelish