How to Be a Boss: 15 Tips from Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones isn’t for the faint of heart, but neither is making it to the top of your field. With literal queens like Daenerys and Cersei making major power moves, the quest for the Iron Throne is like one huge, very cutthroat bid for employee of the month. And we could take some cues. Here, how to be a boss—both in your personal life and the boardroom—from some of your Westerosi faves. Disclaimer: dragons not included.

So you wanna be a boss. Netflix and chill will yourself to get off the couch already. How to Be a Boss (According to Your Favorite Shows) is your excuse to binge all the TV you want. It’s career inspiration, right?

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For a show featuring dragons, Game of Thrones has surprisingly taught us a lot about the real world. Namely, that being the best isn’t always easy. The bid for the Iron Throne is not for the faint of heart, but neither is being a boss.

Both IRL and in the world of #GoT, being a boss is about overcoming hardship and taking control—of your destiny, your career, and yourself. And we’ve had some pretty great examples, whether it’s Daenerys owning her fate and crossing the Narrow Sea with the largest army the world has ever seen (which FYI, everyone told her was impossible), or Arya killing the Night King. The Seven Kingdoms is chock full of people looking to come out on top, and sometimes, that means being cutthroat. Literally.

So whether you’re hoping to rule the Seven Kingdoms—or just rule your life—look no further than these 15 tips to live or die by, courtesy of your Westerosi faves.

1. Always ride in style. A strong entrance is the key to success, and nothing says “listen to me” like a fire-breathing dragon. Trust us.

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2. Perfect an icy side-eye that’s as cold as the wall.

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3. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer—especially when said enemy is your potential future sister-in-law/quasi niece?

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4. Make sure your workspace is decorated to your liking for maximum productivity. Severed, flaming limbs in a shabby-chic castle? To each their own.

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5. Don’t be afraid to collaborate or ask for help.

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6. R&R is important. Plan a sunny vacay to Naath with the one you love, even if everyone knows you won’t make said vacay.

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7. Being a boss has no age—or gender—limit. Just look at little Lady Lyanna Mormont: she’s led her house, sassed men twice her age, and gone into battle against the undead, all before becoming a teenager.

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8. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

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9. Confidence is key.

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10. Be assertive—both personally and professionally… 

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11. But definitely don’t mix business with pleasure.

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12. Find something unique that makes you stand out—even if it weirds people out a bit, like chugging a giant’s breast milk, for example.

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13. Diversify your interests (and faces).

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14. Know your strengths—and your weaknesses. And, seriously, listen to your ex. 

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15. Don’t let the little things hold you back—including death.

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Words by Katherine Singh
Feature image courtesy of HBO