Everything, everywhere is always moving.

HBO’s Succession is a great show.

Man if you’re not already watching it, you need to give it a try. It’s one of those shows where I rewatch each episode. Twice!

I’ve been hyping it to my friends and family since season one. I think it’s the next Game of Thrones: all the main characters are trying to kill each other to sit on the throne atop an American media empire.

I love the premise. It’s unique and new. The writing isn't just good, it's great. The writers know the business world and it comes through in both the plot and dialogue. I think it’s the best show on TV right now.

This week’s episode, “Lion in the Meadow”, was a continuation of the ongoing hostile takeover storyline. And as usual, everyone was jockeying for position while the vultures circle.

The head of the family and CEO of Waystar Royco, Logan Roy, doesn’t always tip his hand or reveal what he’s thinking. It's undoubtedly part of his character’s strategy. He says as little as is needed, and listens for the right opportunity to make his position known.

As a result, his character is generally reserved and light on dialogue. But sometimes he’ll erupt. And when he does, it’s hilarious.

This week was a prime example of Mount Logan blowing his top but it wasn’t just hilarious; it was on-point. In this blowup, he said something unmistakably genuine to his daughter, Shiv.

Let me set it up (spoiler free, mostly).

The Setup

Shiv, newly appointed Domestic President of Waystar Royco, was trying to carry out some task issued to her by her father. Or at least, her interpretation of the task. In doing so, she ruffled the feathers of her subordinates ... who promptly went behind her back and over her head to Logan.

Then, in a rebuke of something I’ve read in every book about leadership, Logan sided with her subordinates, came down on Shiv (hard) effectively undermining her. When she defended herself, he hit her with the epic response:

Nothing is a line. Everything, everywhere is always moving. Forever. Get used to it.

I think this can be interpreted a few ways but I’ll tell you how I heard it. It was exactly the tough-love advice (albeit unconventional) she needed to hear.

What he meant

Logan saw what Shiv was doing, plain as day. In his long career at the top, he’s probably seen it before many times. Shiv was positioning herself as the untouchable top dog, putting her feet up and becoming beyond the reproach of any subordinate.

She didn’t want to be undermined, which is easy to understand. No one does. But is there a time and place for it? Not according to all the “leadership books”. But I think there is. 

Here’s why.

Shiv wasn’t dealing with the problem head-on. She was skirting her responsibility to the company and putting herself first. She cared more about positioning herself in an untouchable position than resolving the problem.

When Logan saw that, he immediately put her in her place. Here’s what he meant:

• “Nothing is a line.” There’s no “line” in the sand beyond which you’re untouchable. If Shiv wants to retain her spot at the top, she has to continuously work on it instead of relying on a moat that she or her father draws around her.
  
  
• “Everything, everywhere is always moving.” Her subordinates were right in this case, and gained value. But more importantly, she lost credibility due to her actions. Her firm position has become pliable.
  
  
• “Forever. Get used to it.” Boom. Just dropping the hammer. Letting her know his perspective is absolute. This is an aside to the point. It’s just his character.

What’s the takeaway

I think Logan’s right. Bad behavior -- in this case, Shiv deflecting responsibility -- can warrant a “bad” response from the person in the leadership position.

It’s a different type of leadership style than I advocate for (I’m more in line with the “books”) but I think there’s a time and place where these tactics can be not only effective, but warranted.

What do you think?

And if you haven't checked out the show yet, do yourself a favor. You can thank me later!