Last season of Game of Thrones airs today so we decided to remind you some of the most popular GoT quotes. Believe it or not, they are actually a great lesson worth learning. Fight for throne is pretty similar to the fight we all participate in on a day-to-day basis. We all want our business to succeed and stay on the market. So below you can see what we’ve learnt from the most popular TV series on the world.
1. “A Lannister always pays his debts” – Lannisters
Lannisters motto ‘A Lannister always pay his debts’ is one of the most popular phrases on Game of Thrones. Thinking about it in a business perspective – there’s actually a few lessons hiding in this quote. Firstly, never forget about people who helped you. Just because you don’t need them anymore doesn’t mean you can turn your back at them. You never know when you might need their help again. Human relations are the power of every successful business. Moreover, remember that what you give is also what represents your company. Be consistent with your promises.
2. “Chaos is not a pit, but a ladder” – Littlefinger
Every business has its ups and downs. What’s important is taking those difficult times as opportunities, not obstacles. Your ability to fight and grow in those times is going to become your greatest strength. So if you are struggling, take the bull by its horns. Act fast and your company might come out of this stronger than ever.
3. “Every one of us is poor and powerless. And yet together… we can overthrow an empire.”―The High Sparrow
Well said High Sparrow. Your team is your greatest strength. Don’t ever forget that people that surround you helped you get to the place you’re at right now. We’re living in times when everyone can be successful. Yet, not everyone is. There’s plenty of competition but what can differentiate you from the rest is your people. So remember to always have their back, listen to them and work as a unit. Just because you’re paying them, doesn’t mean you’re better than them. After all, they make you successful.
4. “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” — Ygritte
You might lead a successful business but it doesn’t mean you’re better than those that are not in the same place in life as you are. Remember to stay humble, kind and take advices from others. You didn’t experience everything in the world to not have to listen to others. You might be the King in the North but you’re not omniscient. Not everyone is going to give you meaningful advices but never treat others like you’re better than them.
5. “Winter is coming”
Definitely the most popular quote from the whole Game of Thrones series. But what we can take from it? Every entrepreneur should be always prepared for ‘winter’. You never know when something critical is going to happen. No one expected Wall Street Crash of 1929 or Black Monday in 1987. And it’s not only about stock market crashes. You might feel like your company is stable and out of nowhere you find yourself is a very risky situation. If you can take anything from GoT – be always prepared for adversity. Don’t be terrified of it but instead prepare your company for different scenarios. Good risk management can save your life.
6. “Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. A shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”— Lord Varys
You are seen by others in the way you present yourself. You’re power lays in your ability to have both feet on the ground. If you believe in yourself, your product and your business – you’re going to succeed. People will see your confidence and believe in you. But you have to believe in yourself first. There’s nothing worse than a person that doubts his abilities and his own work. So give yourself a pep talk if you need to. However, when you’re standing in front of an opportunity – don’t let you doubting in yourself waste that opportunity.
7. “Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.” — Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion has had some great lines in Game of Thrones. This one is definitely not only about business – it’s about life in general. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. After all, you can’t hide behind a mask all the time. When it comes to business – stick to your core value. And be sure that your business value matches your personal value. Your people, your competition and your clients will see the mask you’ve been putting on. Don’t follow the trends if you don’t believe in them.
8. “Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true King.” – Tywin Lannister
Don’t ever try to prove your power – if you truly have it, you won’t have to. It doesn’t matter if that’s to your competition or your own people. Your authority is stronger than any words said from your mouth. People will show you respect you deserve. Demanding a certain behavior and reminding others of your power is not going to give you any more power. Actually it’s the other way round.
9. “The freedom to make my own mistakes was all I ever wanted.” – Mance Rayder
That’s not that much of a lesson but a little reminder. If you’re tired of working on your own business, lost all the motivation or a vision. Remind yourself why you decided to start your own company. I’m pretty sure your answer would go somewhere along the lines of ‘I wanted to make my own decisions’. Well, not every decision you’re going to make is going to be the right one. So own your mistakes because they are also a part of the freedom you gained from being an entrepreneur.
10. “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” — Ned Stark
Last but not least, don’t use your people as pons in your ‘game’. If you’re making difficult, risky or tough decisions – be the one responsible for it. That’s the Game of Entrepreneurship – having both power and responsibility. It’s easy to depute a task that’s inconvenient. After all, you have people to work for you, right? Well, not exactly. If you know your decision is going to angry some people – tell them personally. Ability to face those difficult situations is going to show other that you’re the right person in a right place.
Be like Game of Thrones characters and go for the throne!
Those were 10 entrepreneurship lessons you’ve learned from Game of Thrones. We’re excited to see what the last season has in store for us. After 10 years of Game of Thrones, winter finally has come to Seven Kingdoms so hold tight and let’s see what happens. We wish you to never have to worry about the Army of the Dead.
