How Are Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Like Work?

Whether you’ve read the books by J.R.R Tolkien, seen the cartoon show from the 70s or only seen the Peter Jackson movies, you know the rich world of hobbits, elves, wizards, goblins and dragons.

But what you may not know is how applicable it is to work.

Risks are usually good

Gandalf guarded the bridge with wizardry to keep Frodo and a bunch of dwarves safe, and it meant a death and rebirth for him. No longer was he a wizard that danced the thin line between good and evil, and because of his sacrifice was later known as Gandalf the White.

Sometimes at work, you’re all in. You have to do something — like take a big risk — to come out of it stronger and more capable. It may not always pan out, but when it does, you may achieve more than you thought was possible.

After all, Frodo didn’t want to leave the shire, but because he did, he went on the greatest adventure.

It’s not about greed and power

Gollum looks like a goblin-ish thing, wrinkled and deformed. But we find out he’s a greedy Hobbit who wore the ring too many times. That lust for power and greed drives him mad. Even Bilbo is tempted by power, attracted to the golden ring.

This is true at work, too. When power is your only interest, you’re bound to let it destroy you. So many people take management opportunities because it’s an increase in pay and title, but really don’t like people and would prefer to work alone. Chasing the best paying gig won’t necessarily make you happy, especially in the long run.

Even Galadriel the elven queen is tempted by the power the ring can give her. She’s already strong and in some ways fierce, but with the ring gains formidable abilities. It takes her great fortitude not to succumb.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Where would the dwarves be without their thief friend? Where would any of them be without Gandalf? Not far. In fact, Saruman went against his friends to join evil and then later be killed.

Working in teams where everyone pulls his weight is best. It gets projects accomplished on time and usually has high reward. It’s also more fun, enabling you to build teams and rapport.

Thorin Oakenshield never forgets the help he received from his friends to reclaim the dwarven city in the mountain. Frodo never forgets Samwise Gamgee. Elves, drawves, and humans are more connected than ever after the ring was destroyed.