Raise your hand if you’ve binged Stranger Things. Ripe with ’80s nostalgia and spine-tingling plots, I can’t get enough of our friends from Hawkins. Surprisingly, it also has some valuable leadership lessons. While it might seem like an odd place to look for leadership advice, the show’s characters offer intriguing insights into the world of leadership. So grab your Eggo waffles and get ready to delve into the strange world of leadership lessons from Stranger Things.

Lesson 1: Embrace the individual strengths of your team.

One of the most lovable aspects of Stranger Things is its ensemble cast, featuring a diverse group of kids with unique talents, personalities, and strengths. Each character brings a diverse perspective and skills, leading to more innovative solutions and a stronger team overall. They need each other to survive. 

Mike is the natural leader, Lucas is the voice of reason, Dustin is the tech genius, Will can connect with the Upside Down (is that a strength?), Eleven has supernatural abilities, and Max keeps everyone grounded. Their diverse strengths allow them to tackle problems that none could handle alone. 

In leadership, when you learn to embrace your team’s individual strengths, you create cultures and groups that can thrive because of the variety of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. Embrace the differences among your team members and encourage open communication. When everyone feels valued and heard, your team will be better equipped to face challenges head-on, just like our friend’s kids from Hawkins, Indiana.

Lesson 2: Trust and Empower Your Team

Trust is a critical component of effective leadership in the Upside Down and the real world. The kids in Stranger Things often find themselves in dangerous situations, and their ability to trust one another keeps them alive. In your leadership journey, trust your team and empower them to make decisions.

Remember when Eleven flipped the van with her telekinetic powers to save Mike and the gang? That moment of trust was pivotal. Mike believed in Eleven’s abilities and gave her the confidence to take charge. Similarly, as a leader, it’s essential to trust your team’s capabilities and allow them the freedom to make choices. This not only boosts their morale but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

Of course, trust should be earned and maintained over time. Establish a culture of trust within your team by consistently delivering on your promises, offering support when needed, and acknowledging your team’s achievements. When your team knows you have their back, they’ll be more willing to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve their goals, just like Eleven did to save her friends.

Lesson 3: Adaptability is Key

The world of Stranger Things is constantly changing, with new supernatural threats emerging everywhere. Adapting quickly to unexpected circumstances is a survival skill, and it’s equally important in leadership. In your leadership journey, be prepared to pivot and adapt to changing situations.

Consider the Upside Down as a metaphor for the unpredictable challenges that can arise in any organization. The kids face Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, and other supernatural horrors, but they adapt by strategizing, learning from their mistakes, and seeking help when needed. As a leader, you’ll face your fair share of Demogorgons—unexpected crises, changes in the market, or internal conflicts. Your ability to adapt and lead your team through these challenges sets you apart.

To enhance your adaptability, stay informed about industry trends, encourage continuous learning within your team, and foster a culture of flexibility. When your team is comfortable with change, they’ll be better equipped to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of your industry.

Lesson 4: Lead with Empathy

Empathy is a superpower that transcends dimensions in both Stranger Things and the real world. In the show, Joyce demonstrates empathy by putting herself in others’ shoes and understanding their pain and fear. As a leader, this ability to connect with your team on an emotional level can be a game-changer.

When Eleven first arrives in Hawkins, she is frightened, confused, and traumatized by her past experiences. Instead of pushing her away or treating her as an outsider, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and the gang show empathy and kindness. They understand that she’s been through something unimaginable and offer their support.

In your leadership role, strive to understand your team members’ perspectives and emotions. Show empathy by actively listening to their concerns, providing emotional support when needed, and creating a safe space for them to express themselves. When your team feels heard and valued, they’ll be more motivated to work together and achieve common goals.

Lesson 5: Never Underestimate the Power of Friendship

Perhaps the most heartwarming lesson from Stranger Things is the unbreakable bond of friendship. The kids in Hawkins face unimaginable horrors, but they do so with unwavering support for one another. Their friendship is their greatest strength, and it helps them overcome insurmountable odds.

In leadership, building strong relationships with your team members is essential. Friendship might seem trivial in a professional setting, but it is the foundation of trust, collaboration, and loyalty. Just as the kids in Stranger Things are willing to risk everything for their friends, your team will be more committed and dedicated when they feel a sense of camaraderie.

Take the time to get to know your team members personally, celebrate their successes and be there for them during challenging times. Foster a sense of unity and friendship within your team, and you’ll create a work environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work and supporting one another.

I’m happy I don’t live in Hawkins. 

As fun as it is to imagine myself as one of the characters on Stranger Things, I’m glad I don’t have to fight off Demogorgons on a regular basis. The next time you binge-watch this thriller, watch for these leadership lessons amidst the suspense and supernatural mysteries. After all, leadership can be a bit of a “stranger thing,” but with the right guidance, you’ll navigate the upside-down world of leadership with confidence and finesse.

Who would have thought that a TV show about supernatural creatures and parallel dimensions could offer such valuable lessons in leadership?