“5 Leadership Lessons from…” is a short 3 blog series designed to take key leadership elements from some of the most popular TV shows and how they may apply in day to day situations. The blogs explore the immediate leadership lessons, how the characters worked through them and what key takeaways exist for the reader.
Read the series:
1. 5 Leadership Lessons from… The Sopranos
2. 5 Leadership Lessons from… Star Trek
3. 5 Leadership Lessons from… Peaky Blinders
5 Leadership lessons from… Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders, based on true events, is a gripping gangster story of the Shelby Family Brothers and their rise through fame in the underworld. Having faced the harsh realities of war as soldiers, the brothers come home and have to reintegrate into society. With clear gaps between the social classes and a strong will to want ‘better’ for themselves, the brothers set out to create their own empire. There are plenty of leadership lessons from this epic show, and we look at 5 of them below.
- Understand who is really in charge
While the leader may be the figurehead and the one giving instructions, is there another influence in the group? Tommy was clearly in charge of the Peaky Blinders, but, Polly was a central influence on Tommy and those around him.
While the leader may be upfront giving instructions or trying to sort out the problem, who is operating behind them and influencing things? This may not happen in all cases, but as you enter different situations it is important to understand that there may be other forces at work.
And while Tommy was very good at researching his enemies and getting to know a lot about them, he did learn the lesson a few times that you may have to look a bit more widely to understand the influences on the other side.
For example, in a large group of people that security may need to deal with, often there will be a ‘centre of gravity’ that helps us identify the ring leader. But, while they’re trying to take up the good fight for their crew, who’s in the background moving around passing messages, on the phone or trying to call the gang from down the back of the club to come over?
Have a look at your team too; do you have someone who does this for you?
2. Actions have consequences
Whether you’re taking over the bookies from a competitor, offing an enemy who stood in your way or simply asking someone to comply with the rules, actions have consequences.
A leader must remember that to achieve a goal, actions taken may cause issues along the way. They must also balance the use of the team in achieving the goal – if someone becomes emotionally compromised they may put the entire team and situation at risk. Something said or done that wasn’t needed to achieve the goal may increase the risk, or if the goal itself is risky, may have unforeseen consequences.
A leader can’t foresee everything and there is always an element of risk, so the leader should work with the strengths of those around them, but if it looks dicey, put safety first.
3. Common goals can unite
The power of unity is an important tool for any leader. Explaining the ‘why’ and getting the team on board with the outcome and why it matters can push motivation and a sense of pride in achieving the work.
Tommy was often at odds with those on the crew, who may have had differing opinions on how to handle something, or simply didn’t want to be involved. But, Tommy knew that united they were faster, better and stronger, so had to find a way to get through and get the whole team on board.
A common goal pushes people to work together, knowing that there is a sense of shared purpose and responsibility in getting the work done. A leader can use this as a powerful motivator.
4. A close-knit team can achieve almost anything
The Peaky Bothers had, for the most part, an inseparable bond. Always together, helping each other and building their reputation as gangsters. Fostering this team’s spirit was important for Tommy. It built resilience, character, and loyalty to the brotherhood.
A good leader realises that the bond and connection a team has can fuse it and when this happens, the team can take to almost any task and accomplish it. The team builds upon each other’s skills, monitors each other’s welfare and (for the most part) checks in regularly with the leader, who can take that important step back and ensure everything stays on task.
Teams that function like this often describe themselves as ‘good friends’ or ‘like family’. There is often a bond beyond the workplace and an involvement in each other’s personal lives. While this isn’t always required, a leader should utilise the time available at the workplace to get everyone aligned to some common values, identify and resolve any team conflicts and encourage communication.
5. Sometimes people need to have their ‘emotional moment’
This lesson is often learnt the hard way and applies to both the leader and those who look up to them. Humans are emotional characters and no matter how brave or stoic we are, eventually that pent-up anger, sadness or shock will work its way to the surface. It can be hard to watch or difficult to stand there and cop the tirade when someone bursts, however, it is important to recognise when someone is venting (and needs to) and when it becomes something more than this (threats, acts of violence, etc.).
Tommy would often bottle up his emotions and only let it go behind closed doors, while Arthur would hit the drink and be rather loud in how he expressed himself. Sometimes a member of their crew may have something to say, and while it may be out of turn so to speak, people need to feel they have the opportunity to speak and be heard.
Tommy would listen to the ladies in the family meetings and let them voice their opinions. A logical choice for a leader, letting people in lower or non-leadership positions be heard and give their opinion. People in general often feel better when they can get something off their chest. Once it’s done and over, it can be easier to pick up and move on.