Introduction
This paper is a qualitative comparative analysis of the application of leadership and strategy theories within the TV show Game of Thrones, in relation to the Stark family. The TV show is based on the bestselling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. Essentially, it’s a story about a political game in which the struggle for power (the Iron Throne) is what motivates the major characters. Everyone has a distinct political agenda, but only a small minority of these are realized. The desire to increase ones’ power is reflected in the alliances they make and forsake as well as the oaths they take and break. No one is safe in the mythical land of Westeros. One must always be wary of the possibility that those they …show more content…
They should be directly involved and connected to their followers, rather than being aloof and having others carry out dictated orders. Ned Stark pointed out that “He who hides behind executioners soon forgets what death is”. The more a leader is involved and feels the impact of their decisions the more the people will appreciate them and be able to relate to their leaders. This will also discourage leaders from making hasty, potentially harmful resolutions.
The recurring theme of the Starks “Winter is Coming” is meant to allude to the fact that although the world may be indeterminate, a leader must always remain vigilant, innovative and strong. A leader must plan for the future of his people and expect the unexpected. By preparing for the long winter (the hard times) while everyone is enjoying the long summer they hold an advantage in that they are always prepared for the worst case scenario.
Too much was taken for granted and not enough precautions taken. Leaders must consider the many possible aftermaths that their verdicts will have on their followers, the social order, and the balance of power. Risks must be weighed and evaluated. Much suffering could have been avoided had the members of the Stark family stopped for a moment to do a risk-benefit analysis to see whether the benefits outweigh the …show more content…
The brothers of the Night’s Watch would have followed any order Jon could have given them – any order that is with the exception of coming to terms with the wildlings and allowing them to pass through the gate and settle south of the wall. This action was viewed by the Night’s watch as Jon committing treason and siding with them, expressly given the fact that he had lived amongst them for a time and had taken a wildling wife (Ygritte). Path-Goal theory would suggest that Snow’s primary charge was that of his followers and that although he thought he was doing the proper thing by saving the lives of the wildlings and preventing them from turning into white walkers (ice zombies), in truth he was betraying those who had entrusted him to lead. It’s interesting to note where a good leaders’ actions should appeal to – his higher judgement and moral code or to that which is in the best interest of his
This paper is a qualitative comparative analysis of the application of leadership and strategy theories within the TV show Game of Thrones, in relation to the Stark family. The TV show is based on the bestselling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. Essentially, it’s a story about a political game in which the struggle for power (the Iron Throne) is what motivates the major characters. Everyone has a distinct political agenda, but only a small minority of these are realized. The desire to increase ones’ power is reflected in the alliances they make and forsake as well as the oaths they take and break. No one is safe in the mythical land of Westeros. One must always be wary of the possibility that those they …show more content…
They should be directly involved and connected to their followers, rather than being aloof and having others carry out dictated orders. Ned Stark pointed out that “He who hides behind executioners soon forgets what death is”. The more a leader is involved and feels the impact of their decisions the more the people will appreciate them and be able to relate to their leaders. This will also discourage leaders from making hasty, potentially harmful resolutions.
The recurring theme of the Starks “Winter is Coming” is meant to allude to the fact that although the world may be indeterminate, a leader must always remain vigilant, innovative and strong. A leader must plan for the future of his people and expect the unexpected. By preparing for the long winter (the hard times) while everyone is enjoying the long summer they hold an advantage in that they are always prepared for the worst case scenario.
Too much was taken for granted and not enough precautions taken. Leaders must consider the many possible aftermaths that their verdicts will have on their followers, the social order, and the balance of power. Risks must be weighed and evaluated. Much suffering could have been avoided had the members of the Stark family stopped for a moment to do a risk-benefit analysis to see whether the benefits outweigh the …show more content…
The brothers of the Night’s Watch would have followed any order Jon could have given them – any order that is with the exception of coming to terms with the wildlings and allowing them to pass through the gate and settle south of the wall. This action was viewed by the Night’s watch as Jon committing treason and siding with them, expressly given the fact that he had lived amongst them for a time and had taken a wildling wife (Ygritte). Path-Goal theory would suggest that Snow’s primary charge was that of his followers and that although he thought he was doing the proper thing by saving the lives of the wildlings and preventing them from turning into white walkers (ice zombies), in truth he was betraying those who had entrusted him to lead. It’s interesting to note where a good leaders’ actions should appeal to – his higher judgement and moral code or to that which is in the best interest of his