Why did Kendall Roy fire Lisa?
Okay, so, let's set the stage here. We're talking about Kendall Roy, the would-be titan of the Waystar Royco empire, and his decision to fire Lisa Arthur, the legal eagle who was supposed to help him keep his head above the choppy waters of legal battles and corporate machinations. In the grand opera of boardroom drama that is 'Succession', this is our pivotal duet, a power struggle ending in an abrupt and dramatic severance. But why does it matter? Because it peels back another layer of Kendall's character, showing us the unvarnished truth of his management style: all ego, all the time.
I. Background
Now, if you're not familiar with 'Succession', it's kind of like 'Game of Thrones', but with more business suits and less dragons. Kendall Roy is the son of Logan Roy, the aging patriarch of Waystar Royco, a multinational media conglomerate. He's often seen as the heir apparent to his father's throne, but much like Hamlet, he's got more than a few issues to work through.
Enter Lisa Arthur. She's sharp as a tack, cool under pressure, and has a knack for navigating the legal labyrinth that surrounds the Roy family. She's Kendall's legal counsel, tasked with guiding him through the minefield of potential lawsuits and corporate takedowns. But, as we find out, she's not the kind to sugarcoat things or shy away from telling hard truths.
II. Reasons Behind Kendall's Decision
So why does Kendall decide to fire Lisa? Well, it's not because she stole his lunch from the company fridge, that's for sure. No, the first reason is that Lisa speaks truth to power. She points out Kendall's weaknesses, laying bare the things he'd rather not hear or admit. Now, you might think, "Well, that's what a good lawyer does, right?" You'd be correct, but Kendall, it seems, prefers a "see no evil, hear no evil" approach when it comes to his shortcomings.
The second reason is all about the E word: ego. Kendall's ego, to be precise. It's large, it's in charge, and it's got a firm hand on the wheel of his decision-making process. When Lisa confronts him, his ego takes a hit. And so, in a move that can best be described as "cutting off his nose to spite his face," Kendall decides to fire Lisa. If he can't be the king of his own castle, at least he can decide who gets to stay in it.
The third reason is control, or rather, a lack thereof. You see, Kendall wants to be in control, even when he's not. He wants to call the shots, even when he doesn't understand the game. His performance at a meeting with the prosecutor is a prime example of this, culminating in him telling Lisa to "work harder". It's like telling your GPS to "drive better" - not only does it not make sense, it's also a clear sign that you're lost.
Finally, Kendall has a penchant for ignoring advice. Lisa gave him sound legal advice, again and again, but he chose to ignore it, pushing his own agenda instead. This isn't just a one-off occurrence, but a pattern of behavior that demonstrates Kendall's disregard for expertise when it doesn't align with his desires.
So, there you have it. Kendall's decision to fire Lisaisn't just a dramatic twist in a television show, but a revealing look into his character. He's a man who pushes away truth-tellers, allows his ego to guide him, craves control even when he lacks understanding, and dismisses advice that doesn't fit his narrative. It's a complex, messy portrait of leadership - or, more accurately, a lack thereof. And while it makes for compelling television, it's a management style that's as unstable as a house of cards in a stiff breeze. But hey, that's 'Succession' for you - a masterclass in showing us the human foibles behind the corporate façade.
III. Kendall's Management Style
So, we've established that Kendall isn't exactly in the running for Boss of the Year. But what, precisely, is his management style? Well, if we look at his actions, a few key themes emerge.
First, there's impulsiveness. Kendall's decision to fire Lisa wasn't a meticulously planned strategic move. Rather, it was an emotional reaction to feeling threatened and challenged1. He didn't like what Lisa had to say, so he decided she had to go. It's the equivalent of kicking the chessboard because you don't like how the game is going. It might feel satisfying in the moment, but it doesn't exactly help you win.
Second, we have the almighty ego. Kendall's ego isn't just a trait, it's a driving force. It's the wind in his sails, the fuel in his tank, the... well, you get the idea1. His ego influences his decisions, and not always in a good way. It makes him resistant to feedback, unwilling to show vulnerability, and quick to assert dominance, even when it's not beneficial.
Finally, there's Kendall's disregard for advice. This is a big one. Kendall has a tendency to ignore or dismiss advice, especially when it comes from people who know what they're talking about1. It's not just a flaw, but a defining feature of his management style. Kendall isn't just unwilling to listen to advice; he actively pushes it away, opting to chart his own course even when it leads him into stormy waters.
IV. Implications and Consequences
Alright, so Kendall's management style is a bit like a bull in a china shop. But what does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, for starters, it's not great for his reputation. Firing your legal counsel because they told you something you didn't want to hear isn't exactly a good look. It signals instability, impulsiveness, and a disregard for expert advice – not exactly the qualities you want in a leader.
But it's not just about image. Kendall's decision could have real, tangible consequences. For one, he's now without a top-tier lawyer in a world where legal battles are as common as boardroom meetings. That's like going into a gunfight with a slingshot. Sure, you might get lucky, but it's not a winning strategy.
Moreover, Kendall's decision could impact the dynamics within the series moving forward. Firing Lisa might send a signal to other characters about his instability and unpredictability. This could lead to shifts in alliances, changes in strategy, and a general sense of "What the heck is Kendall going to do next?"
So there you have it. Kendall's decision to fire Lisa is more than just a plot twist in a TV show. It's a case study in a flawed management style, characterized by impulsiveness, ego, and a disregard for advice. It's a decision that reflects Kendall's personal shortcomings and could have serious implications for his future in the cutthroat world of 'Succession'.
Sure, it's entertaining to watch. But it's also a lesson in what not to do when you're in a position of power. Because while Kendall might be a fictional character, his actions and their consequences are all too real. So, let's all take a moment to learn from Kendall's mistakes. After all, as they say, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And in the case of Kendall Roy, that's a past we'd all do well to avoid repeating.
