Raise your hand if you’ve ever binged Stranger Things. Same. Between the ‘80s nostalgia and spine-tingling suspense, I can’t get enough of our friends from Hawkins. But beyond the supernatural chaos and Eleven’s love for Eggos, the show actually offers some surprisingly solid leadership lessons.

I know—looking to a group of middle schoolers for leadership advice might sound like a stretch. But stick with me. The way these kids work together to survive the Upside Down is basically a masterclass in teamwork, trust, and adaptability. So, grab your walkie-talkie and let’s dive in.

1. Great Leaders Play to Their Team’s Strengths

One of the best things about Stranger Things is its ensemble cast—each character brings something unique to the table. Mike is the natural leader, Lucas is the realist, Dustin is the problem-solving genius, Will has an uncanny connection to the supernatural (which… let’s call a strength), Eleven has literal superpowers, and Max keeps them all grounded.

They need each other. Alone, none of them could take on the Mind Flayer. But together? They stand a chance.

The same applies to leadership. The best leaders don’t try to mold their team into a one-size-fits-all group. Instead, they recognize individual strengths and create a culture where those differences make the team stronger. When you encourage diverse perspectives, skill sets, and ways of thinking, your team becomes more innovative, resilient, and capable of tackling complex challenges—just like the kids in Hawkins.

2. Trust and Empower Your Team

In Stranger Things, survival often depends on trust. Whether it’s Mike believing in Eleven’s abilities or Joyce trusting her gut about Will’s whereabouts, their success hinges on knowing when to step back and let someone else take charge.

Remember when Eleven flips a van with her mind? Mike doesn’t hesitate—he trusts her ability to get them out of danger. That trust gives Eleven the confidence to step up when it matters most.

As a leader, your job isn’t to do everything yourself. It’s to empower your team to take ownership, make decisions, and lead in their own ways.

When people feel trusted, they take more initiative, think more creatively, and work with a sense of accountability. Trust is earned and reinforced over time—so make it a priority. Deliver on your promises, provide support when needed, and acknowledge your team’s wins. When people know you have their back, they’ll go above and beyond to achieve great things.

3. Adaptability is Your Superpower

One thing about Stranger Things—you never really know what’s coming next. One minute, life is normal. The next? There’s a Demogorgon in your backyard.

The kids don’t just react to chaos—they adapt. They analyze the situation, experiment with new strategies, and shift their approach when needed. That’s a survival skill in the show, but in leadership? It’s everything.

Markets shift. Crises happen. Internal dynamics evolve. The leaders who thrive aren’t the ones clinging to the way things used to be—they’re the ones who stay curious, embrace change, and foster a team culture that can pivot when necessary.

So, be open to new ideas. Encourage continuous learning. And when you find yourself facing a metaphorical Demogorgon (or, you know, an unexpected business challenge), lean into adaptability instead of fear.

4. Lead with Empathy

Empathy might not be an official superpower in Stranger Things, but it might as well be. Joyce Byers? Empathy in action. When Will goes missing, she refuses to accept the obvious answer—because she knows her son. She listens, she trusts, and she fights for what’s right.

That same ability to understand and connect with people? It’s a leadership superpower.

When Eleven first arrives in Hawkins, she’s terrified, lost, and traumatized. Instead of pushing her away, Mike and the gang show empathy. They make her feel safe, valued, and part of something bigger.

As a leader, how you support your team matters just as much as what you expect from them. Active listening, genuine curiosity about their challenges, and making space for them to be heard all go a long way.

When people feel seen and valued, they’re more motivated, engaged, and willing to go the extra mile for the team.

5. Never Underestimate the Power of Friendship (Yes, Even at Work)

One of the most underrated leadership lessons from Stranger Things? The power of genuine relationships. The kids in Hawkins don’t just work together—they care about each other. That’s what gives them the resilience to keep fighting, no matter how impossible the odds.

In business, we often separate “work” from “personal,” but the reality is: strong relationships make strong teams. People don’t just commit to companies—they commit to people. When your team feels a sense of camaraderie, trust, and connection, they’ll work harder, collaborate better, and stick around longer.

So, take the time to build real relationships with your team. Celebrate wins. Support them during challenges. Create a culture where people actually enjoy working together. Because when things get tough, it’s those connections that will keep your team strong.

The Upside Down of Leadership

Look, I’m glad I don’t live in Hawkins. I like my chances against a tough work deadline, but a Demogorgon? Hard pass.

But the next time you binge-watch Stranger Things, pay attention—there’s a lot to learn about leadership in the chaos. And if leading a team ever feels like navigating the Upside Down, just remember: trust your people, embrace change, and lean into the strengths around you.

Leadership can be a bit of a stranger thing—but with the right approach, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.