Henry V

Why is Henry V considered to be such a good example for managers?
Shakespears play Henry V covers the human dilemmas of leadership better then any other business management course. The question that many people have is weather Henry V made the right choices as a king. This proves to be a great question for students, because they have to think about the choices that Henry V made and think about the right thing to do in an equal situation.

There are a few bad management decisions made by Henry V, but there are also a lot of good decisions and methods on how to run a kingdom or company. Running a kingdom after all, is not too far away from running a business. The same rules apply. There are always ranks in company’s and money equals power.

Henry V is an effective leader and a balanced person. In battle you would find him right at the front were the danger was. He was a very persuasive communicator and he treated everyone as equals. This made him a great leader from which you can learn. He understands the people he leads.

When Henry V tells his troops “we are going to France” he is selling a vision. Nowadays if you are a great leader, you also have to have a vision. If you can sell your vision with great commitment and passion, there is a good chance your people will listen to you.

Richard Olivier (son of Sir Laurence), who is involved in teaching a management and shakespeare course says “Henry V has got the answers, because in Henry IV he spend a lot of time in the pub with some village fools and villains” He did this with Sir John Falstaff. This taught him about the people he would lead. Because of this he knew how to reach the people below his rank. He knew how to talk to his people and what his people wanted, which is a pretty good leadership trait.

Henry V also shows managers the importance to get out of the office. On the night before the Battle of Agincourt, he disguised himself and walked around the camp talking to his men, trying to find out what they were thinking.

Reading Henry V can give you a very clear image of what to do and not to do while running a company. As a manager you can get new ideas and visions, watching Henry V, to help you manage your company better.