I’m wondering if Shakespeare was an (un)conscious observer of effective leadership behaviours.

Why? Because key scenes in his plays occur typically between 2 to 4 actors – 5 at the outside.

The most intimate, intense, emotional exchanges – where persuasion happens and decisions are made – are usually between two or three characters.

Think of the Fool who speaks truth to King Lear, or Lady Macbeth’s persuasive words coaxing her husband to murder the King, or the seemingly harmless banter between Falstaff and Prince Hal – foreshadowing Hal’s shift from wastrel to leader.

Deep discussion can only meaningfully happen among a few people.

Scenes with three or four characters usually involve strategic debate, culminating in a critical decision – allies’ interests weighed, battle strategy decided, a kingdom divided post-victory.

And so it is in leadership conversations. For people to feel at ease, and have equal opportunity to speak and be heard, four – at a stretch five – is the optimal number.

With four or five in the room, people have the time and space to build trust, open up, question one another, and deep dive into areas of interest or discord. The people present leave satisfied that they’ve had their say – even if they aren’t entirely thrilled with the outcome.

You might recall your school texts and protest that Shakespeare frequently placed multiple characters on stage. Yes – but wasn’t that usually for a battle, a murder, a ceremony, or pure comedy – rather than for discussion and decision-making?

More than five, and you’re heading into control-and-process territory – the meeting scenario, where one person takes the lead.

Again, Shakespeare provides examples.

• When Lear determines how to divide his kingdom he invites six people to be present and speak. But Lear alone decides – unwisely – to disinherit the sole truth-teller.
• Prince Hal, now King, summons his inner counsel, but ultimately he alone decides to invade.
• And the plotters conspiring to kill Julius Caesar? Seven gather, but Brutus determines the plan.

Shakespeare’s Leadership Wisdom

Just as Shakespeare’s characters, scenarios and lessons continue to engage and educate, so to do leadership lessons from his plays endure.

One key lesson: Who are you inviting on stage?

Will they have the space and time to fully engage – to be heard – and to process the discussion in a meaningful way?

Otherwise, just like those movies you’ve abandoned mid-way through, participants will mentally check out. And your leadership will suffer as a result.