Leadership lessons from “Game of Thrones” – part 2

Why Eddard Stark Lost His Head (and What It Teaches Us About Political Intelligence)

Updated October 2025

Introduction – When Values Aren’t Enough

After a strong response to my first Game of Thrones leadership article, let’s continue with one of the most honourable characters — Eddard (Stark).

As the King’s Hand, Eddard embodies loyalty, honour and uncompromising values. But in a court buzzing with intrigue and politics, those virtues alone weren’t enough to save him. What he lacked was political intelligence — the ability to read power dynamics, anticipate motives and influence with savvy rather than naïveté.

Lesson 1 – Political Intelligence Is a Leadership Skill, Not a Dirty Word

Research from 3D Training & Development shows over 70 % of people associate “politics” at work with negative experiences. Yet politics is inevitable wherever humans and hierarchies exist. The real question is whether you use it constructively or become its victim.

Eddard saw the world in black and white. He trusted too quickly, believed in honour over strategy, and failed to read the game around him. When he discovered Queen Cersei’s secret, he chose morality over tactics — warning her instead of acting decisively. Moments later, the game was over.

Lesson 2 – Politics Is the Language of Influence

The Roffey Park Institute found that effective strategists and influencers use politics to create positive outcomes. It can:

• Unblock barriers to change

• Build buy-in for key projects

• Speed decision-making

• Increase organisational cohesion

Eddard never learned this language. He treated political behaviour as dishonourable rather than a neutral force to be used for good. The result was predictable — betrayal and a short reign as Hand.

Lesson 3 – Seven Traits of Politically Intelligent Leaders

Leaders with high political intelligence:

1. Know where the real power lies.
2. Keep people on side for long-term benefit.
3. Trade favours with integrity — mutual benefit, not manipulation.
4. Understand that total openness isn’t always wise.
5. Operate in the grey — balancing ethics with outcomes.
6. Pick the right moment and place to raise issues.
7. Network deliberately and maintain those connections.

Had Eddard mastered even half of these, he might have kept both his position and his head.

Lesson 4 – Honour Without Strategy Is Naïve

Integrity is non-negotiable — but when values aren’t paired with political awareness, good leaders get sidelined by savvier players.

Modern translation: Your competence and character get you noticed; your political intelligence keeps you effective. Master both the moral and the relational currencies of leadership.

Lesson 5 – Build Your Political Awareness Muscle

If Eddard Stark were your coachee, he’d need to:

• Map stakeholders and their motivations.

• Observe unspoken alliances.

• Adapt communication styles to different power holders.

• Influence without alienating.

In today’s organisations, that skill is called Political Intelligence — and it’s a hallmark of emotionally intelligent, strategic leadership.

The Key Message

“Doing what is right” is noble. Doing what is right and effective is leadership.

Political intelligence is not manipulation; it’s the art of navigating complex systems with awareness, grace and influence.

Leaders who ignore this game don’t avoid it — they just lose it.

Originally published in 2012. Updated October 2025 with new insights on leadership and political intelligence.

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About the Author
Rosalind Cardinal is an award-winning leadership consultant, executive coach, and founder of Women’s Leader Archetypes™ and Shaping Change. With over two decades of experience in leadership development, Ros helps coaches, leaders, and organisations unlock human potential using neuroscience-informed strategies, diagnostic tools, and future-focused insights. She is passionate about blending innovation with humanity to create lasting impact.

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