This week at Calibre, we wanted to talk about two of our favourite things: Game of Thrones and promotions. As with any other cultural craze, there’s plenty of handy life advice to be taken away from the HBO series. We’re going to tell you a secret: Game of Thrones can teach you all about climbing up the career ladder.
We know what you’re thinking - now you can justify all those hours spent binge-watching season five and eating wotsits. At least, that’s just what it looked like to the untrained eye - in reality, you were training for all those promotions you’re now going to get. Because not only is winter coming - so is your performance appraisal.
Tyrion Lannister
DO: Always keep cool under pressure.
If in doubt, ask yourself W.W.T.D? In other words, ‘what would Tryrion do?’ As the least-liked Lannister, he’s had to deal with more than your average workplace negativity. People ridicule him, his family despise him, nobody seems to appreciate him for the hard work he does - but he never lets this get in his way of his progression to the top. Next time you’re in the firing line, impress your boss by keeping calm and using your wits to think of a quick and clever solution to the problem.
DON’T: Burn any bridges. If you don’t get that promotion, it’s probably not a good idea to shoot your boss with a crossbow while he’s sitting on the toilet.
Daenerys Targaryen
DO: Amass a crowd of adoring fans.
Daenerys Targaryen’s run up the career ladder from sad exile to ‘Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Breaker of Chains, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea and Mother Dragons’ makes your next promotion look like a doddle. If Khaleesi can conquer Mereen, you can conquer your department. But how has she got this far? She got the unsullied on her side, not with pouting or sulking about external interviews, but with a killer pitch. If you want to make like the Queen of Dragons, you’ve got to be able to convince your co-workers that you are indispensable. If they think highly of you, you will be first in Management’s mind when an opportunity for promotion comes along.
It helps if you have a team of dragons who’ve got your back or super pretty awe-inspiring hair, but most of us mere mortals will have to rely on things like staying late to help co-workers, or doing the coffee-rounds more often.
DON’T: Storm into the head office kicking off about your birthright and set everything on fire.
Petyr Baelish (aka Littlefinger)
DO:Pay attention to those with informal power.
Littlefinger knows who to befriend to get where he wants, and doesn’t limit himself by declaring loyalty to either side. While office politics can seem trivial and manipulative, there’s no harm in making informed decisions about who you make alliances with. Don’t underestimate the power of networking - you never know when you might need the Master of Coin (i.e. the accounts department) on your side on your quest to the top.
DON’T: Spread lies and rumours. Gossiping in the workplace will always come back to get you with a vengeance, Red Wedding style.
In all seriousness - if you’ve tried all these steps and you feel like you’re going nowhere, it might be time for a career change. Our consultants are qualified in their sectors and able to offer you professional advice. To find our more about how we could help you call us on 0333 323 0733 or email us on info@calibresearch.co.uk.
