SPOILER ALERT: this blog discusses detailed plot information about the television series Game of Thrones, up to and including season seven. If you’re not caught up yet, save this post and go finish watching before you read it! If you are up to date on the series, read on!
If like me, you’re one of the 30 million US viewers who eagerly watch HBO’s hit series, Game of Thrones, then you’re probably also anxiously awaiting the (eventual) arrival of its eighth and final season in 2019. And, like me, you may or may not be spending that ridiculously long waiting period rewatching the first seven seasons and getting into heated discussions over plot points and character development. (No? Just me?)
Well, in the midst of rewatching and re-analyzing, it’s come to my attention that despite all the dragons, White Walkers, and other fantastical elements of the show, we can actually learn several valuable lessons from Game of Thrones that are applicable to today’s workplace. No, everyone in corporate America isn’t fighting for the Iron Throne or dealing with the impending arrival of the Night King and his undead army from the north. But, much like our favorite characters in season seven, we find ourselves working together in our companies toward a common goal - whether it be revenue growth, company expansion, or new product lines. Even with the best goal and vision, working alongside different personalities isn’t always easy - just ask Jon Snow how much work it is to lead a diverse, opinionated team against the enemy!
Why have so many people, of all different interests, become fans of a fantasy show? It’s because the story of Game of Thrones is about so much more than dragons - it’s about humanity, heart, and relationships between people. Take a look at some of these examples from the show that illustrate lessons we can apply to our own real-life work situations.
When information needs to be shared across Westeros, there’s only one way to send a message - via raven. This mode of communication has proven crucial in driving a number of storylines and spurring action on the show. Just look at Sam Tarly’s raven to Jon Snow in the first episode of season seven, in which he informs Jon that he may have located a large source of dragonglass, the very thing Jon needs to fight the White Walkers, on the island of Dragonstone. Without that letter, Jon Snow and his team would not have the resources they need - and Jon would not have traveled to Dragonstone to form the alliance we’d all been waiting for with Daenerys Targaryen.
Communication is key, and while we don’t use ravens in our world, we do have email, messaging, and the good old-fashioned knocking on someone’s office door. At this point, there is really no excuse not to communicate. Effective communication is crucial not only within your own team but also across departments. Although many companies still function with departmental silos, a company cannot be united behind one mission and achieve its goals without communicating properly and regularly. 86 percent of employees and executives blame workplace failures on lack of collaboration or ineffective communication. It’s the concept of corporate symbiosis - departments working together to solve a problem and create the best possible solution for their clients, their company, and their coworkers. Want an example of corporate symbiosis at work between marketing and development departments? Check out our blog, Corporate Symbiosis: Just Talk to Each Other.
Jon Snow’s mantra throughout season seven has been “Winter is here.” He has always been more removed from the politics and power struggle of Westeros, having no real interest in the Iron Throne and focusing instead on the real problems in the North. But in this past season, it becomes Jon’s job to convince leaders of the other noble houses to band together against the impending threat. In a telling display of the human tendency that “seeing is believing,” most of his peers only recognize the danger once he physically presents it to them - whether that’s Daenerys swooping in to save the day beyond the Wall or Cersei Lannister and company recoiling from the wight that Jon unleashes from a box.
In the workplace, as in Westeros, far too often conflict becomes people vs. people when in reality, it should be people vs. problems. In fact, 60 to 80 percent of workplace conflicts stem from strained relationships between employees. Just consider the growing strength of Jon’s coalition as he continues to add allies. Divided, there is no way any one of the houses or individuals can defeat the White Walkers - but united, they stand a chance for survival.
The same is true for organizations. Employees at all levels must be willing to rally around a central cause - the company’s mission - that permeates everything the organization does. The resulting collaboration and teamwork will foster creativity and learning while blending the various talents of team members to create the strongest outcome possible.
Our intuition is often correct when it comes to understanding our coworkers (and other people in general). But sometimes we second-guess or question that intuition - which doesn’t always yield the best results. Sansa and Arya Stark suffer from that problem throughout most of season seven. The sisters have reunited, but their historical sibling rivalry and dislike has bred an alarming amount of distrust. When Littlefinger tries to drive even more of a wedge between them by planting notes for Arya to find and convincing Sansa that Arya wants to kill her, it seems like that unfounded distrust has finally won. But before we as an audience can start an uproar, the season seven finale reveals that Sansa, in fact, trusted her gut instinct that Arya would never try to kill her. The Stark sisters are then able to come together and work with their brother Bran to expose Littlefinger’s schemes and betrayals - and eliminate him as an enemy.
People grow and change with experience. That was true for the Stark sisters, who are no longer the young girls they were in season one, and it’s certainly true in the workplace. Jeff Stibel, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet and an M.S. in brain science, outlines your gut instinct as one of four guiding principles for leading teams:
“Gut instinct is what your brain does. The brain is a vast prediction machine - it takes whatever information it has, it swirls it up, and it makes a guess. And that guess either proves correct or incorrect. The more you study something, the more you do something, the more your gut takes over.”
As we advance through our careers, we gain more experience and learn to trust our gut instinct more in making important workplace decisions. While weighing the facts and options is generally a best practice, in the end, it’s often your gut instinct that will guide you. And if your coworkers are truly aligned with organizational goals, they will probably have the same gut reaction.
Planning and strategy are a core part of any successful business, including the business of politics. Just ask Tyrion Lannister - he’s been strategizing since well before he gained access to an official battle map of Westeros at Dragonstone. Tyrion inherently understands people, and he forms his strategies and advice around that knowledge. Re-watch an episode and count how many times Tyrion says some version of “I know my sister” before delivering sage advice. He knows what to say to the different individuals he interacts with in order to best communicate with them - and he knows how to cleverly plan to get what he needs. Just look at how he discovered that Grand Maester Pycelle was the traitor in the small council while he was Hand of the King, by planting different stories with different small council members to see which one would spill the news to Cersei.
As in Westeros, success cannot happen in the workplace without a gameplan - from the company as a whole to departments like service, sales, and operations, to individual employees. Yet, on an individual level, 95% of a typical workforce does not understand its organization’s strategy; and on an organizational level, 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategy successfully. There is an opportunity in today’s workplace to change that narrative, and we are remiss as a workforce if we do not take it.
This is, of course, a classic lesson we’re all familiar with. But don’t forget what happened to Ellaria Sand and her daughters as a result of Ellaria’s own actions - Ellaria poisoned Cersei’s daughter Myrcella in season five, and when they finally meet again in season seven, Cersei returns the favor by poisoning Ellaria’s daughter Tyene and forcing Ellaria to watch her slowly die.
Bottom line: in both Westeros and the workplace, how people treat you can often be a reflection on how you treat them - so you might want to avoid dishing out any Long Farewell poison.
Game of Thrones loves its cliffhangers - from Jon Snow’s “death” in season five, to Bran Stark’s discovery of Jon’s true parentage in season six, to the White Walkers’ entry through the Wall in season seven. Although we might have to wait months (or a year!) for the show to return, we don’t have to wait to see what happens within our own workplace. After all, while White Walkers, dragons, and imminent death may not be real-life causes for concern, we can reflect on the lessons Game of Thrones offers and take them with us into the workplace.
“There is only one war that matters. The Great War. And it is here.” - Jon Snow
Get an in-depth look at what each of the Game of Thrones houses would be like as office employees - and how you can manage them all - in our white paper, Winter is Here. Click on the button below to download now while you wait for season eight!
This information is for educational purposes only, and not to provide specific legal advice. This may not reflect the most recent developments in the law and may not be applicable to a particular situation or jurisdiction.
Viventium Software Inc. is a SaaS-based human capital management solution that provides a remarkable user experience and award- winning software. Viventium provides flexible software and expert guidance so clients can be sure their payroll is done right.
Viventium offers specialized solutions in the health services markets which include home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities. Viventium Software supports all fifty of the United States with payroll and HR solutions.
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Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 1
In the world of work, there’s a tale to be told, About overtime hours, and the payroll gold, A consistent paycheck, that’s the worker’s dream, But when it comes to overtime, it’s not as easy as it seems.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, Susie worked hard in San Francisco town, But the rules around overtime, they had her feeling down, 42 hours this week, she gave her all, Now it’s time to calculate, let the numbers fall.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 2
Exempt or non-exempt, the title they hold, Where they work, where you’re based, it’s all in the fold, California or New York, the laws they diverge, For payroll admins, it’s a never-ending surge.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, the DOL’s website, a labyrinth to explore, State regulations galore, it’s quite a chore, Staying compliant, it’s a tricky art, Missing out on requirements can break your heart.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
BRIDGE
But here’s a method that can save the day, A payroll software, to keep errors at bay, Input the info right, integrate with ease, No more manual labor, no more overtime fees.
VERSE 3
Back to Susie’s story, she’s owed her due, According to FLSA, it seems we have a clue, $860 on the table, that’s what we’d say, But California’s got its rules, changing the way.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, California says, hours past eight, Are overtime-eligible, don’t underestimate, Now Susie’s owed $900, that’s the decree, In this overtime puzzle, you gotta set it free.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
OUTRO
So when it’s overtime, and the rules entwine, Choose a payroll software, let it all align, Viventium’s the name, we’ve got the key, To make overtime calculations a breeze, you’ll see.
ENDING
Don’t overwork yourself, don’t you fret, With Viventium by your side, it’s a safe bet, Relax, you’re with us, in this overtime fight, With the right tools in hand, everything’s gonna be alright.
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 1
In the world of care, where time slips away, Caregivers dedicate, every single day. But when the hours are missed, in the daily race, Retroactive pay, steps up to embrace.
PRE-CHORUS
A caregiver tired, at the week’s end, Forgot to log hours, a mistake to mend. Admins face the challenge, calculations to make, To set it right, for the caregiver’s sake.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 2
Manual calculations, prone to a flaw, Dealing with shifts, odd hours, and the law. As your business grows, the cost takes flight, Automated solutions, shining bright.
PRE-CHORUS
Compliance is key, with FLSA’s might, Calculate and compensate, get it right. Avoid the audit’s gaze, fines and the cost, Retroactive pay, no longer lost.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
BRIDGE
Employee satisfaction, a crucial part, Resolve mistakes, a work of heart. Relationships flourish, in pay’s embrace, A payroll software, creating a trace.
VERSE 3
Star caregivers, valued and strong, Retention and recruiting, where they belong. Automated solution, a total pay dance, Establish your business, a work-life romance.
PRE-CHORUS
A self-winding watch, Viventium’s grace, Optimizing payroll, in every case. No more struggles, in the payroll game, In it with you, time and time again.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
OUTRO
As your business grows, in the hustle and fight, Viventium by your side, making it right. No more worries, in the payroll chain, In it with you, time and time again.
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, we all aim to thrive, Year after year, our dreams taking flight. But as we soar higher, we start to see, More money, more problems, just like B.I.G. Outgrowing our shell, it’s an exciting phase, But it brings with it some challenging days. Solutions we had, now show their flaws, As we push the boundaries, breaking through the walls.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 2
Employees across states, in different localities, Tax laws aplenty, creating complexities. Our old software’s limits, we’ve begun to see, Scaling up our business, we need to break free. Calculating pay and taxes, where it all begins, Errors in this process, lead to countless sins. Employees rely on us, trust in our might, To withhold what’s needed, get it just right.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
BRIDGE
Taxes, they’re not simple, that’s for sure, A world of complexity, there’s always more. But Viventium stands with us, in this fight, Geo Tax, our ally, making everything right.
VERSE 3
CPAs may struggle, and admins too, Keeping up with taxes, what can they do? The rules keep changing, it’s hard to keep pace, But Viventium’s here, in this challenging space.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
OUTRO
So relax, dear business, and set your mind free, With Geo Tax on our side, we’re the best that we can be. Viventium’s got us, in this tax-filled fight, No more worries, no more sleepless nights.
REPEAT CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 1
In the world of admin tasks, where changes often arise, There’s a tool that’s been a savior, under office fluorescent skies. With flexibility and precision, it eases their daily strife, Let’s sing about this feature, it’s the pulse of our work life.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 2
Admins wear many hats, in their daily grind, Sometimes they need to adjust, leave no errors behind. Adding extra hours, bonuses, or fixing pay, They need a simple method, to make it all okay.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
BRIDGE
Custom views and filters, tailor it to your need, Focus on the important, no need for needless speed. A hundred-dollar bonus, a few clicks and it’s in flight, Admins get it done, making sure it’s right.
VERSE 3
In the admin’s world, where numbers have their say, This tool steps in gracefully, making tasks less gray. An interface so intuitive, like an Excel sheet, Changing data effortlessly, making work complete.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
OUTRO
So here’s to Payroll Grids, in our song of praise they gleam, For admins working diligently, they fulfill a dream. In the world of office hustle, they bring much-needed light, Let’s tip our hats to this tool, and its invaluable might.
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 1
In the world of payroll, a daily task we face, Admins work hard, in this complex space, They handle policies, with attention and care, But there’s a solution that’s beyond compare.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, your role’s crucial and true, But there’s a tool we’ve got, just for you, Let’s explore rule-based automation, my friend, With Viventium, your tasks will gently mend.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 2
Standardize policies, that’s the key, For tenure, role, union status, you’ll see, PTO, bonuses, pay rates defined, Automation makes your workload more aligned.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, the burden’s a load, But rule-based automation lightens the road, No more tiresome chores, no more dread, With Viventium, it’s smoother ahead.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
BRIDGE
In the world of payroll, where tasks repeat, We’ve got the solution, it’s oh so neat, “If this, then that,” it’s simple and sly, With Viventium by your side, you’ll reach for the sky.
VERSE 3
Tenure-based PTO, a common request, With Viventium, it’s passed the ultimate test, Set it up once, and then you’ll see, Automation handles the chore, oh so free.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, take a breath, take a pause, With Rule-Based Automation, you’ll find no flaws, It’s easy, it’s simple, no programming in sight, Viventium’s got you covered, day and night.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
OUTRO
So if you’re a payroll admin, feeling the weight, Let Viventium’s Rule-Based Automation be your fate, No more worries, no more strife, With Viventium, you’ll transform your work life.
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, it’s a complex game, With factors and figures, it’s never the same. Decisions are key, they’ll determine your fate, So listen up closely, don’t be a bit late.
PRE-CHORUS
Gather your data, don’t let it fade, In the depths of spreadsheets, don’t let it cascade. Your HCM software, is it up to the task? To capture and store, to help you unmask.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 2
Once the data’s collected, it’s time to report, But it can be daunting, that’s the common retort. Pre-built solutions, they’re your guiding light, Turning raw data into visions so bright.
PRE-CHORUS
No more manual hours, no errors in sight, With report library’s might, everything’s right. Payroll summaries, tax liabilities, and more, All in a flash, you’ll have what you adore.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
BRIDGE
Viventium’s here, with a passion so true, Constantly improving, for folks just like you. A Report Library, a gift from the stars, For data-driven dreams, it’ll take you far.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
OUTRO
So remember this lesson, in the business terrain, It’s all ’bout decisions, don’t let ’em wane. With data as your guide, and Viventium’s grace, You’ll conquer the challenges you’ll face.
