Top Ten Career Advice from The Game of Thrones.

For a lot of people ,the award winning TV series, the Game of Thrones is a very unlikely place to get career advice. But the George Martin TV Adaptation is so brutally honest and unpretentious that one can actually learn a few things for it. So I compiled a montage of few instructive things from the show that may help folks in making better career decisions .

1

Networking might be, the one skill to rule them all.
Robb,the General who never lost a battle, was outwitted by one who forged alliances that ultimately lead to his cruel assassination at the "Red Wedding". The lesson to learn here is that no matter how strong one's core competence is,effective teamwork will produce better results. Network and build strong partnerships.

2

Look before Leaping.
The decimation of The Stark bloodline would not have occurred if the Lord of WinterFell had honestly evaluated if he was a right match for the position of the King's hand. Many a times people take on enticing positions they have no clue about when approached by head hunters. For example, the post of King's hand required the skillful manipulations of a politician, Eddard Stark was a just good soldier.Lesson to learn: Study the skills needed for your new position ,well as the company and, bear in mind that all that glitters isn't gold.

3

Know the rules of your Profession.
Tyrion Lannister used a loophole to escape certain execution when he was held captive in the impregnable Eyrie Castle. Most institutions like Westeroos make tough decisions based on their legal system even when it not expedient.

4

Trust no one.
Always be aware that the forces of self-preservation could cause a trusted colleague to throw you under the bus if his position is threaten. Qhorin learnt that the hard way.When push came to shove, Jon sacrificed him to gain favor with the wild-lings. So be careful of what you say and write.Also, document important conversations and decisions.

5

Be more Competent than those you lead.
Daenerys tried unsuccessfully to take leadership of the Khal after Drogo's demise.But his blood riders would not accept a woman. Also, her rousing speech later on was greeted by desertions? Why ? because She had not earned the respect of her followers even though she had royalty flowing through her veins. All that changed when she emerged from the smouldering ashes with three dragons. "Blood of blood", echoed all around because now they believe she could protect them. Anyone in position of leadership should demonstrate at least some level of competence than their followers.

6

Go along to get along
Sansa Stark dumb looks and gullibility certainly saved her from sharing the same fate with her father. There might be wisdom in sometimes not appearing to be the smartest guy in the room. It becomes apparent when juxtaposed with her mother's rash mistake of kidnapping Tyrion Lannister. A decision which set off the tragic chain of events that ravaged her family.

Thrive for enduring harmony and friendly ambiance within your team and try not to outshine the master while you are it.

7

Guard your Reputation Jealously .
The Lannisters like all great companies spend billions on branding.That theme is prevalent throughout the series. Protect the Lannister name, the family name is above all else. Take a cue from this.Protect and enhance your reputation, credit rating above all else.A Lannister always pays his debts.

8

Chaos can be a Ladder
Little Finger exemplifies perfect timing and astute understanding of the way the world works. He rose from being Master of Coin to a High Lord by cleverly meandering through the chaos that proceeded the death of King Baratheon. Even the Spider, Varys is scared of him. As the saying goes , don't let a good crisis go to waste. Choose your sides carefully with your end goal in mind.

9

Jerks tend to advance faster
What good thing can we ever learn from the enfant terrible of the series,you might ask? Before going any further, I'd like to commend Jack Gleeson on his brilliant performance in the role of Joffrey Baratheon.Once upon a time, I had a colleague with the same temperament. And guess what happened to him? He got everything he wanted! I won't advice taking this route for career growth but somehow it inexplicably works.

10

Master the Art of Negotiation
One of the coolest scenes in the series was when Daenerys outsmarted the slave master. She showed business acumen there , won't you say? Regardless of the bad economy ,that has made it an employer's market, one should acquire this crucial skill.
It may very well be the difference between perpetual servitude and enduring happiness.

Chinedu Efoagui