9 Project Management Lessons From Game of Thrones [Spoilers]
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 9:04 am
Game of Thrones , HBO's blockbuster fantasy drama, is about much more than just waiting for winter to come.
There is passion. There is political war. There is a lot of killing (babies, giants, kings, beloved characters - whatever).
GoT 1
And there are plenty of leadership lessons, too. Yes, there is valuable wisdom hidden behind all the brain-wracking, revenge plots, and strange relationships , especially for project managers.
Below, I've outlined nine of the most important takeaways from the series. And as a warning to readers: If you're not fully invested in season four, there are major spoilers ahead.
1. Take the minister's leadership to heart.
Okay, maybe not quite so literally.
Daenerys Targaryen is a force to be reckoned with, and not just engineer database her dragons. As one of the most empathetic characters in the show, she wields her compassion as a sword, winning the love of thousands of followers. Daenerys earns the respect of her army with optimism, determination, and by offering one thing: her freedom.
Because of her tenacity and compassion, her followers are more predictable and effective than other surrounding armies. The power of passion and devotion makes her team strong and reliable. She calls herself the Queen, and those around her respect her leadership.
But this does not apply to Joffrey Baratheon.
Joffrey does not earn his power - he is (wrongfully) born into it. He does not love his subjects. He cares little for his people. He believes that people should respect him because of his title, and he believes that fear, not compassion, will make his subjects obey. This way of thinking ultimately poisoned his relationships until his death.
What can project managers learn?
Project managers need to flip the pyramid - you should serve your team, not the other way around. Use your energy, passion, and talents to strengthen your team. Communicate regularly with your team members - find out what they care about and what they do well, and use it to benefit the project. Emphasize collaboration, empathy, and trust - and give your team what they need to thrive.
Don't think that if you are a project manager, your team will give you 110%. You have to earn it.
There is passion. There is political war. There is a lot of killing (babies, giants, kings, beloved characters - whatever).
GoT 1
And there are plenty of leadership lessons, too. Yes, there is valuable wisdom hidden behind all the brain-wracking, revenge plots, and strange relationships , especially for project managers.
Below, I've outlined nine of the most important takeaways from the series. And as a warning to readers: If you're not fully invested in season four, there are major spoilers ahead.
1. Take the minister's leadership to heart.
Okay, maybe not quite so literally.
Daenerys Targaryen is a force to be reckoned with, and not just engineer database her dragons. As one of the most empathetic characters in the show, she wields her compassion as a sword, winning the love of thousands of followers. Daenerys earns the respect of her army with optimism, determination, and by offering one thing: her freedom.
Because of her tenacity and compassion, her followers are more predictable and effective than other surrounding armies. The power of passion and devotion makes her team strong and reliable. She calls herself the Queen, and those around her respect her leadership.
But this does not apply to Joffrey Baratheon.
Joffrey does not earn his power - he is (wrongfully) born into it. He does not love his subjects. He cares little for his people. He believes that people should respect him because of his title, and he believes that fear, not compassion, will make his subjects obey. This way of thinking ultimately poisoned his relationships until his death.
What can project managers learn?
Project managers need to flip the pyramid - you should serve your team, not the other way around. Use your energy, passion, and talents to strengthen your team. Communicate regularly with your team members - find out what they care about and what they do well, and use it to benefit the project. Emphasize collaboration, empathy, and trust - and give your team what they need to thrive.
Don't think that if you are a project manager, your team will give you 110%. You have to earn it.