Shakespeare Quotes for Leaders
Over 400 years ago, William Shakespeare wrote and produced some of the most amazing stories of all time. He took the audience inside the courts of kings.
In this article, I’ve collected quotes from Shakespeare that are relevant to today’s leaders. Shakespeare’s quotes for leaders are separated into sections to answer questions like:
What are some Shakespeare quotes about character?
What does Shakespeare say about business execution?
What are some quotes about communication from Shakespeare?
What does Shakespeare say about mindset for leaders?
What are some Shakespeare quotes on leadership?
Enjoy these quotes!
On Character
This above all: to thine ownself be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Hamlet
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool
As You Like It
There is not one wise man in twenty that will praise himself
Hamlet
Certain, men should be what they seem.
Othello
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.
As You Like It
No legacy is so rich as honesty.
All’s Well That Ends Well
On Business Execution
Strong reasons make strong actions.
King John
… for in such business action is eloquence.
Coriolanus
Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Talking isn’t doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.
Henry VIII
How full of briers is this working day.
Romeo and Juliet
On Communication:
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
Hamlet
Brevity is the soul of wit.
Hamlet
Speak on but be not over-tedious.
Henry VI
Have more than thou showest, Speak less than thou knowest.
King Lear
On Mindset:
Be not afraid of greatness: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.
Twelfth Night
We know what we are but know not what we may be.
Hamlet
There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
Hamlet
Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt.
Measure for Measure
All things are ready if our minds be so.
Henry V
On Leading:
And oftentimes excusing of a fault doth make the fault the worse by the excuse.
King John
How poor are they that have not patience? What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
Othello
Be patient, for the world is broad and wide.
Romeo and Juliet
Small to greater matters must give way.
Anthony and Cleopatra
O it is excellent to have a giant’s strength but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant.
Measure for Measure
How in one house should many people under two commands hold amity?
King Lear
Which section was most useful to you? What quote spoke to you the most? Please share in a comment.
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