The popular TV show is not only a source of amazing characters and story plots. It provides a treasure trove of ideas and lessons on how business owners can manage their teams and their business depending on what is required at hand.
Authoritative style management – Stannis Baratheon
This style involves management engaging in one-way communication. That is, making decisions for the team without any input or consultation with others.
Business situation: This could be essential in a work environment when input or team agreement isn’t necessary for a successful outcome. For example, in a manufacturing plant where the processes and given work is already set out, team input from employees is not necessary.
It is not the best style to use when you have innovative and expert staff whose input could be of value, like for example, the military knowledge of Ser Davos Seaworth. As we saw in Stannis Baratheon’s case, it can lead to half of your army leaving you and the other half being killed off.
Directive (Coercive) style – Ramsay Bolton
The “do it the way I tell you” managerial style. It requires strict compliance from employees and closely monitoring them.
Business situation: It is useful in situations of emergency and crisis.
We saw this style used by Ramsay Bolton. His troops and soldiers followed his every sadistic command as they were at the brink of war and maintaining control over Winterfell. Instead of using a normal rewards and discipline method, Ramsay was clearly on the extreme end.
Affiliative style – Jon Snow
This management style places greater emphasis on employees rather than tasks. The manager prioritizes creating and improving good personal relationships, bonding with employees and avoiding conflict.
Business situation: It is an effective style during times of stress and conflict within the business. It motivates employees by improving their mental health through counselling and help. It builds trust within the team.
Jon Snow is an example of an affiliative leader, his style made him one of the best and most loved leaders of the Wall but it also posed a difficulty when dilemmas with the Wildlings arose. Thus, if this management style is used by itself it can lead to inadequate performance by the employees or a mutiny in Snow’s case.
Participative (democratic) style – The Wildlings
This style involves agreement among employees through participation in important decision-making. It involves an open, “What do you think?” style of input.
Business situation: Effective when to gain useful input from employees. It works when the staff is experienced and the work environment is steady, rather than a crisis.
The Wildlings appear to use this style in making decisions in unity and valuing input. While the Wildlings may be united, it doesn’t always extend to the south of the Wall.
Pace setting style – Daenerys Targaryen
This involves the manager setting an example for employees to follow by demonstrating excellence and self-direction in tasks. It is expected that the employees follow this high standard.
Business situation: Best to use when the business already has motivated and skilled employees who are coordinated and self-directed. It produces quick results. It works well for Daenerys and her skilled army of the Unsullied.
Coaching style – Tyrion Lannister
This style is “developmental” as it assists employees in developing skills, improving their personal strength and performance for the long-term. It motivates employees by providing them opportunities for professional development.
Business situation: It really applies to most business situations. Tyrion Lannister is an ideal coaching-style manager. He is a great counselor and can identify the weaknesses of other people. He connects with his staff on a personal level, such as sharing jokes with Missandei, favouring a relaxed environment for his team. He managed Mareen quite well besides a minor setback.
Which of the Game of Thrones management style have you employed to manage your small business?
Ananya Singh, Legal Analyst – Content Team, LawPath
