4 Great Lessons Teachers Can Learn From Game of Thrones

Eddard Stark would be so proud.

One of the most expensive shows on TV, Game of Thrones is an international phenomenon with over 10 million viewers per episode. Renegades, Knights, Queens and Kings, all battling to sit atop the Iron Throne amidst the lifelike effects, enchanting music and lush scenery lent the show so much mainstream popularity that in 2014, the University of Virginia ran a summer course on the GOT. It is not just a mere staple of pop-culture, the tapestry of interconnected subplots depict more lessons than any mentor can detail you in real life. Here are the top 4 lessons, teachers can learn about the world beneath the Seven Kingdoms that are bound to come in handy for their profession as well!

1. Never underestimate your competition

Remember when Kraznys of Astapore was tricked by Queen Daenerys into giving her his entire army of Unsullied warriors? He clearly underestimated the young woman in front of him and let his guard down, failing to realise that dragons cannot be enslaved. His grave error thus leads to his downfall after he gets frame-grilled by Drogo. In much the same way, underestimating your opponent, no matter how insignificant he looks right now might lead to failure and debacle. Instead, don’t get too complacent and treat your opponent cautiously, lest you suffer the same fate as Kraznys.

2. Grow your influence over time

Varys, a spy master to the King was once a beggar, rose through the ranks to gain tremendous power through immense wit, cunningness and manipulation. In the same way, students, their parents, colleagues- everything is a stepping stone to build your influence over time, take each one seriously.

3. Who can you trust?

Eddard Stark chooses to trust Littlefinger, and we all know where that got him, right? Had he chosen to trust Renly instead, he would have been much better off. Similarly, it is vital to choose your friends and allies wisely at the workplace. Seek someone you can completely trust. It is the most important decision you will make in building your profession.

4. Embracing students’ freedom

Allegiance is sacred in the Game of Thrones. It is, however, a privilege – one that not everyone is entitled to. The Unsullied warriors, who were trained to obey commands no matter what, were purchased by Khaleesi. She gives them a sense of self-worth and freedom, thus ensuring their lifelong faithfulness and loyalty to her, not by force, but by choice. Give your students more freedom in order to ensure their loyalty. This will not only help you gain admiration, but good results too.