Management Tips Learned From Game of Thrones
The Game of Thrones has become a cultural icon around the world. It has captivated millions of readers and binge watchers. For instance, the seventh season on HBO drew more than 12 million viewers to the channel. The television series also boasts multiple accolades and awards.
But make no mistake about it. It’s not just a fun book or a fun series (which it is, of course). The Game of Thrones is a story about leaders and their actions. I would argue that it is a perfect story for both current and aspiring managers too. If you treat the series as a learning resource, you will be able to draw lots of lessons and management tips. Here is a list of some management tips that I was able to get and which I’d like to share.
Be Flexible And Adaptable
Great managers are never stuck in the moment. No matter how adept they are at what they do, they recognize the need for constant improvement. That implies a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
Flexibility is crucial as it helps managers find innovative and instrumental solutions to atypical problems and challenges. Good planning is a must, but life is unpredictable, and excessively rigid management approaches are slated for failure.
For instance, Tyrion Lannister, one of the protagonists, acts as a quintessence of flexibility. He manages to navigate a maze of challenges by changing or correcting courses on a regular basis. As a warrior, he is successful in adapting to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The defense tactics at the Battle of Blackwater are but one example.
Mistakes Are For Learning, Not For Repeating
To err is human. But to keep erring is stupid. That’s why it is important to learn from one’s mistakes. No one knows this better than the members of House Stark. There is a lot a manager can learn from their experience.
There is a lesson to be learned for college students too, who have to manage excessive academic workloads. Those who take on too many tasks at a time fail to meet deadlines or never produce high-quality work. That’s why it is important to learn from this experience and use the best college essay writing service to complete assignments on time.
Arya Stark perhaps beats all others in how effectively she can rebound from failure to strike again - this time with greater and more relentless force and drive.
Never Forget To Give Feedback
Management is not only about tasking and directing people. It is also more than excellent project or people management skills. Giving regular feedback is part and parcel of advanced management and leadership habits.
Cersei sets a clear example of providing feedback. Mind you, Cersei does not pursue commendable goals, and his feedback usually aims to damage someone. The point is that he uses feedback as an effective tool for achieving her goals.
Managers can provide feedback in both oral and written form. If you feel like your writing skills are not great, take steps to improve them. There are lots of helpful resources out there, and it is a matter of your will, diligence, and planning to find one that works for your best.
Staying Even-Keeled Under Stress Or Duress
Keeping a cool head is extremely important in both life and management. Those who go off their rocker and resent others quickly also lose quickly.
Look at Tyrion, for example. Hardly anyone else is subjected to challenging circumstances more than Tyrion. Somehow, he always finds a way to stay calm.
Often, he is just seconds away from a disaster. You feel like he’s about to lose it. And he would lose it the moment he’d go bonkers. He never does.
Final Thoughts
The Game of Thrones has long become the gold standard in TV series production. It is a great masterpiece that keeps attracting large crowds of viewers. But it is more than just entertainment. If you watch it more carefully than you normally watch TV series, you will be surprised by the number of learning points you can draw.
Managers can learn to be more flexible, learning-oriented, adaptable, and calm in the face of changing and fast-developing circumstances. It makes it a great combination of fun and learning.
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Andrew Mazur is a professional writer and management consultant. He took an interest in reviewing famous books and TV series to identify useful tips and recommendations for college students, managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Andrew’s reviews help you augment your reading and watching experience by drawing practical and action-oriented learning points.