Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall: Lessons for Modern Leadership

Attending gymnasium in Belgrade in the late seventies were exciting times, not only because of going through puberty. We had a great professor of English language (though we didn’t realize it back then). She insisted that we read Shakespeare. Only later in life did I come to understand why.

When we think of Shakespeare, many of us picture his famous comedies and tragedies that delve into complex human emotions like love, jealousy, and ambition. But beyond the iconic romances and personal dramas, Shakespeare’s works also offer timeless insights into the dynamics of power. As Eliot A. Cohen explains in his book The Hollow Crown, Shakespeare’s often-overlooked historical plays provide a masterclass in leadership, exploring how power is gained, wielded, and ultimately lost.

Shakespeare’s understanding of power extends far beyond the monarchies and noble courts of his time. His insights apply just as well to today’s business organizations, where the structures and politics of leadership often mirror the royal courts he so vividly portrayed.

1. Acquiring Power: The Rise

One of the most striking themes in Shakespeare’s works is how individuals rise to power. Whether it’s through ambition, cunning, or sheer force, leaders in Shakespeare’s plays like Macbeth or Henry IV show us that the path to power often involves navigating complex political landscapes, making alliances, and sometimes, bending the rules. In modern organizations, the rise to leadership similarly requires a mix of talent, strategy, and a deep understanding of workplace dynamics.

Just as Shakespeare’s characters often have to fight their way to the top, aspiring leaders today must navigate company hierarchies, develop influence, and prove their value. However, as Shakespeare warns, those who rise too quickly or without the right foundations often face a hard fall.

2. Exercising Power: The Rule

Once power is acquired, the real challenge is in how it’s used. Shakespeare’s plays are full of leaders who struggle with this—some succeed, and others fail miserably. In Henry V, we see a ruler who balances authority with empathy, managing to inspire loyalty and unity among his followers. On the other hand, in Julius Caesar, we witness a leader whose misuse of power leads to betrayal and his downfall.

For modern leaders, the lessons are clear. Leadership isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about how you manage people, make decisions, and maintain the trust and respect of those around you. Shakespeare’s plays highlight the importance of wisdom, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in leadership—qualities that are just as relevant in today’s boardrooms as they were in the royal courts of old.

3. Losing Power: The Fall

Shakespeare also teaches us that power is fleeting. In plays like King Lear and Richard II, we see leaders who fail to recognize the signs of their impending downfall, either through hubris, poor judgment, or an inability to adapt. These tragic characters serve as warnings to leaders who become too comfortable or complacent in their roles.

In the corporate world, losing power can come in the form of organizational changes, evolving market conditions, or even internal politics. Shakespeare reminds us that no leader is immune to change and that the fall can come swiftly to those who aren’t prepared.

4. The Court as an Organization

One of the most compelling ideas from Shakespeare’s plays is the concept of the court—an intricate network of relationships and power dynamics. As Cohen points out, even modern organizations function as courts. At the top, there’s often a “king” or “queen,” supported by a hierarchy of “courtiers”—key advisors, influencers, and gatekeepers. And much like in Shakespeare’s time, leaders must manage not only the tasks at hand but also the interpersonal politics of their “court.”

There’s always a designated successor, perhaps a crown prince or princess, and there are often gestures—those in the organization who offer entertainment, humor, or even critical feedback in indirect ways. Understanding this court-like structure can help leaders navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics of modern businesses, where influence and relationships often matter just as much as formal authority.

Final Thoughts: Leadership Through Shakespeare’s Lens

Shakespeare understood leadership at its core—he knew that the exercise of power is as much about human relationships as it is about titles and responsibilities. His plays provide a window into the universal truths of leadership: the pursuit of power, the challenge of ruling wisely, and the inevitability of losing it. For today’s leaders, whether in business or any other field, Shakespeare’s lessons remain as relevant as ever.

In the end, the true test of leadership is not just in rising to the top, but in ruling well and navigating the inevitable challenges of power. Shakespeare offers us a timeless guide to these complexities—reminding us that the dynamics of leadership, like the politics of the court, are as old as time itself.