"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." – Cersei Lannister
Picture a pivotal meeting in the Great Hall of Winterfell, where Jon Snow and Sansa Stark are navigating a heated debate with the Northern lords. Each faction has its own agenda, and the future of the North hangs in the balance. Now, imagine a similar scenario in your organization: a crucial project meeting filled with stakeholders with conflicting interests and competing priorities. As the business analyst, your task is to guide the project through this complex web of influence and power. Just like Jon and Sansa, your ability to navigate these dynamics will determine whether the project succeeds or falters.
In project management, while the stakes may not involve the fate of kingdoms, the power dynamics are just as critical. Managing a project is akin to maneuvering through a complex political landscape—success depends on mastering influence, timing, and relationships. A single misstep can jeopardize the entire project, risking all your efforts. As a business analyst, you’re not just a strategist; you’re a key player in a high-stakes game where victory depends on how skillfully you handle shifting alliances, influence, and timing. To succeed, you must sense the right moments to act, anticipate opponents, and adapt swiftly. Remember, there’s no middle ground—either you guide the project to success or watch it slip away. Here’s how to master these dynamics and emerge victorious.
Knowledge is Power: Understanding the Landscape
"Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick, a shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow." – Varys
In the game of thrones, knowing your enemies and allies is crucial. Similarly, in projects, understanding the landscape—stakeholders, internal politics, and organizational culture—gives you a vital edge.
Imagine launching a high-stakes project involving multiple departments with competing interests. The political landscape is as intricate as the rivalries among noble houses. As the business analyst, you need to map out this terrain before making any move. Who stands to benefit from the project's success? Who might resist? What are the hidden agendas?
Thorough stakeholder analysis and understanding of internal dynamics allow you to anticipate challenges, pre-empt resistance, and build stronger recommendations. This knowledge equips you to shape the project’s narrative from the start.
Takeaway:
Knowledge is power. In project management, understanding personalities, motives, and political undercurrents is as crucial as technical expertise.
Building Alliances: Strength in Numbers
"When you play the game of thrones, alliances can be the difference between victory and death." – Cersei Lannister
No project succeeds in isolation. Just as rulers in Westeros form alliances to solidify their power, business analysts must build partnerships to advance their agendas. Whether aligning with key stakeholders or gaining team support, alliances act as a shield against project disruptions.
Consider a project that stalls due to conflicting priorities between marketing and Information Technology teams. Like Daenerys forming alliances with the Unsullied, you can bridge these teams by addressing their concerns and finding common ground. Building these relationships positions you as the linchpin that holds the project together, earning you trust and influence over the project’s direction.
Takeaway:
Strengthen your position by forging strategic alliances. Collaboration provides leverage against shifting priorities and unforeseen obstacles.
Adaptability: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
"Chaos is a ladder." – Petyr Baelish
As Littlefinger’s saying goes, disruption can be a ladder for those who are adaptable. No project follows a perfect plan, making adaptability a key skill to turn setbacks into opportunities.
Midway through a project, imagine a regulatory change throws everything into chaos. While others may see catastrophe, you see an opportunity to pivot, realign the project’s objectives, and secure additional resources for compliance. Your agility amid changing circumstances can elevate you from a problem-solver to a strategic leader.
Takeaway:
Chaos and change are inevitable. The business analysts who thrive are those who remain flexible, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and realignment.
The Power of Timing: Subtle Influence and Patience
"A lion does not concern himself with the opinion of sheep." – Tywin Lannister
In projects, influence isn’t always about direct control. Sometimes, the most powerful moves are those made subtly, behind the scenes, or at the perfect moment. The success of a recommendation often hinges on when you present it as much as how you present it.
Imagine leading a product development project with a split on a critical feature. By waiting for the right moment—when tensions are high and the decision-maker is most receptive—you can present your suggestion as a solution rather than a demand. Strategic timing can give you influence that surpasses rank or authority.
Takeaway:
Influence is a game of patience and timing. Like a lion surveying its territory, look for the right moment to strike for maximum impact.
Execution: Winning the Long Game
"What good is power if you don’t use it?" – Cersei Lannister
Strategy, alliances, and influence are crucial, but ultimate victory depends on execution. In projects, even the most brilliant plans fall short without precise and effective follow-through.
Imagine you’ve secured additional resources for a critical project phase. It’s now your responsibility to use those resources effectively. Through meticulous follow-up, continuous monitoring, and careful management, you turn resources into tangible results. Successful execution builds your reputation and keeps the project on course.
Takeaway:
Power means nothing without effective execution. After securing strategic wins, ensure flawless follow-through to convert influence into results.
Conclusion: Mastering the Game of Projects
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die." – Cersei Lannister
In projects, as in the game of thrones, there is no middle ground. Mastering the dynamics of influence, timing, and relationships is not optional—it’s the key to success. The business analysts who excel are those who anticipate moves, build powerful alliances, adapt to chaos, and execute with precision.
Victory in projects comes not from playing it safe, but from navigating the subtleties of power with strategic insight and tactical patience. The stakes may not be life and death, but your project’s success—or failure—depends on how well you’ve played the game.
The Iron Throne is yours to claim, but only if you master the game of projects.
Author: Olam Osah
Olam Osah is a Senior Business Analyst and thought leader renowned for his deep academic and practical insights. With a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and Honours and Masters degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Olam makes complex concepts accessible and actionable. His compelling articles and thought leadership pieces are a must-read for business analysts navigating the ever-evolving world of business information systems. Reach out to him at [email protected].