‘Game of Thrones’ has everything:
sword fights, dragons, crazy wigs, and a 7,000-foot wall. But did you also know
buried behind the dragons, dark story arcs, and interesting familial *cough*
relations, you can also find some pretty sound career advice?
Warning: I’ve read all the books,
so there will be some minor spoilers ahead. Don’t say I didn't warn you!
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Your network is the best way
to land a job (and a title!)
Tyrion has proven this many
times; his network was related, but he landed a prime job as Hand of the King
and as Master of Coin due to his Lannister ties. Granted, he didn't want the
second job, but he wouldn't have gotten it without a little help from his dad.
But he’s not the only one who has
used connections to get ahead. Littlefinger used his connections at court to
get sent to the Vale (and also get a few titles to his name), and he doesn't
have any blood ties to speak of. His ability to help and be useful to people
opened doors to a lordship, a new rich wife, and more support for whatever end
game he has in mind. Rule number 1 of networking: Help people!
Lesson: Your network matters,
whether they are related to you or not.
2. Burning your network is always
a terrible idea (unless it’s literal).
Let’s revisit the Lannisters
again, shall we? Cersei ends up running the country for a time, and wow, does
she become paranoid quickly! Her tendency to cut people off and shut them out
doesn't win her any points, but does win her a ticket to a small cell and some
amazing bread and water.
Lesson: Don’t annoy your
network…unless you plan on killing them before they get to you.
3. Mentors can help you find new
abilities, especially magic ones!
Bran can’t walk…but he can fly.
And run. How did a lad who couldn't walk figure all of this out? Mentorship.
Bran actually ends up with a couple of mentors who help him progress. First
Jojen, and then someone whose name is [redacted to protect the TV watchers]. If
you don’t have a mentor, it’s time for you to consider finding one. Though not
all of them have future visions, some of them could have a future vision for
you.
Lesson: Having someone on your
side to help you see things about yourself and your skills that you cannot is
priceless.
4. When in leadership, assemble a
good team (that’s not out to kill you).
Daenarys struggles with how to
lead and which decisions to make at times. Sure she’s got Ser Jorah, but what
is his end game? Daario has a little bit of an ego problem (his own), and Ser
Barristan is loyal, but whose advice should she follow? It’s important that you
have a team you can trust, not one where you are constantly questioning who is
going to betray you for gold – or for love – next.
Lesson: Trust matters in
leadership.
5. At some point, only you know
best.
Listening to the advice of others
can only get you so far. At some point, you've got to trust your gut on what is
right and step off the beaten path. For Daenarys, that look liked tricking a
slaver into taking her dragon for his army, and then, you know, burning him to
a crisp. Just a standard bait and switch! For you, that might look like trying
out a new career that previously everyone told you was absolutely crazy. Note:
You may want to skip out on the burning, just to make a few more friends.
Lesson: There comes a point when
only you can decide what is best for you.
Christie
Mims is the Founder and CEO of The Revolutionary Club, the number one
destination for smart women who are unwilling to settle for anything less than
career happiness. She recently did a happy dance when her website was named a
Forbes Top 100 for careers, because her goal is to start a career happiness
revolution. Need help with yours?
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