Introduction
Whenever we do a leadership analysis of Macbeth, we wonder why Macbeth failed as a leader. Let’s do a leadership analysis of Macbeth. In Act 3, Scene 4, he said,
“I am in blood stepped in so far.”
By this line, he means he has ventured a violent path, and now he wants to turn back.
Macbeth’s role is full of tragedy. First, he was a loyal character in the play, but then he had an intense ambition for power, which made him betray his king. So layer on, he was known as a tyrant. Being a tyrant, his leadership was rooted in fear, which made him isolated from Scotland.
Leadership Analysis of Macbeth
Brave and Honorable Warrior
Military Valor: At the initial scenes, Macbeth was looking like a brave warrior. It’s more evident in Act 1, Scene 2, where he was praised with the title, “Brave Macbeth.”
Recognition by King Duncan: Macbeth was so loyal to Duncan that Duncan used to honor him a lot. He gave Macbeth a title, named Thane of Cawdor. It means a person who deserves trust and respect. This scene shows how much Duncan admires Macbeth for his qualities.
Selfless Patriotism: If someone does a leadership analysis of Macbeth, he will inevitably understand that Macbeth had everything that’s needed in a leader. For example, he always kept his kingdom over his life. Then he kept his commitments by keeping his personal gains aside.
Potential for Greatness
Respected Among Peers: In Duncan’s court, Macbeth has always been appreciated for his bravery and leadership qualities. Everyone in the Scottish nobility honored, trusted, and respected him.
Hinted Leadership Qualities: First, we used to think Macbeth was a capable leader. And it was inevitable to think so because he displayed such characteristics. Like decisiveness, valor, and commitment. Even his king and colleagues used to admire him, thinking that he was a loyal and inspiring leader.
Foreshadowing of Ambition: In the entire play, Macbeth’s potential was evident until a gothic incident happened. The witches planned to make Macbeth ambitious about a certain fact. Hence, his attention diverts. In short, the witches were trying to use Macbeth’s ambitions to overshadow his noble qualities.
Macbeth’s Ambition and Desire for Power
Influence of Prophecy
Catalyst for Ambition: In Act 1, Scene 3, we saw that the witches’ prophecy told Macbeth that he “shalt be king hereafter.” After hearing this, Macbeth became more ambitious, as he would be in power if it happened. Although Macbeth was loyal to his people, hearing this prophecy shook his judgments.
Inner Conflict: First, Macbeth was hesitating to take any actions for the prophecy. Because his conscience and moral implications were going on in his head. In short, Macbeth was going through many inner conflicts within himself. He literally couldn’t understand what he should do.
Shift in Identity: The prophecy was a turning point for Macbeth. This made him turn from a respected warrior to someone who is drowned in ambitions.
Role of Lady Macbeth
Driving Force Behind Macbeth’s Actions: Lady Macbeth had a big role in amplifying Macbeth’s ambition. She said in Act 1, Scene 7 that, “When you durst do it, then you were a man.” This is like accusing Macbeth of being a coward. Then Macbeth got a determination to prove himself.
Moral Corruption: Lady Macbeth’s influence over Macbeth was one of the main reasons for his moral downfall. She convinced Macbeth, be it by accusing or brainwashing; she made him understand that power should be pursued without any moral restrictions.”
Shift to Ruthless Leadership: With the encouragement of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth has started to prioritize power over ethics. His approaches have become more ruthless than before, which is not good for a leader.
Macbeth’s Transition into Tyranny
Descent into Paranoia and Cruelty
Fear of Losing Power: When Macbeth ascended to the throne, he became very paranoid thinking about the threats to his rule. This fear made him take drastic measures, like killing Banquo.
Violent Ruler: Macbeth’s moral decay was visible when he ordered the killing of innocent people without any mercy. You will see it in Act 4, Scene 1, where he arranges a brutal massacre of Macduff’s family.
Haunted by Guilt: Macbeth started to feel guilty for his violent actions. Why? Because Banquo’s ghost was haunting him, which we could see in Act 3, Scene 4.
Isolation from Followers
Loss of Trust: Since Macbeth’s cruelty was increasing day by day, his followers started to question his judgments. His actions are causing him to lose the title of brave leader.
Alienation from Allies: All alliances of Macbeth became his opposition. And it’s all because of Macbeth’s cruel actions. His royal scots like Macduff and Malcolm came against him.
Loneliness and Desperation: Macbeth lost all the support from his scots, which was needed to uphold his authority. This was more evident in Act 5 when he isolated himself out of fear of losing control.
Macbeth’s Leadership Failures
Lack of Moral Integrity
Abandonment of Ethical Boundaries: Macbeth’s moral decline was visible when he ordered to kill King Duncan. This was like a betrayal to his own king.
Destructive Choices Driven by Ambition: Macbeth’s lack of moral restraint leads him to kill anyone he perceives as a threat, including innocent people like Banquo’s son Fleance and Macduff’s family. These violent acts create an atmosphere of fear and hostility in his kingdom, highlighting how his disregard for moral principles fuels widespread chaos and distrust.
Corrupting Influence of Power: Macbeth’s actions reflect a leader corrupted by unchecked ambition, where his initial honorable traits are overwhelmed by a relentless pursuit of power. This transformation illustrates how the loss of moral integrity undermines his potential as a capable and respected leader.
Inability to inspire Loyalty
Comparison to Duncan’s Leadership: When we do a leadership analysis of Macbeth, we can see he was very loyal to Duncan. That’s why Duncan used to admire him a lot. But afterwards, Macbeth kept his ambition over his loyalty, which was not applicable in a true leader.
Instability in Macbeth’s Reign: Later on, Macbeth relied on violence and intimidation, which made him more resentful and delusional. Like, he came in opposition to Macduff and Malcolm.
Fear-Driven Loyalty: It was important to be loyal to King Duncan for Macbeth. But his loyalty was fragile enough to not sustain up to the last moment. .
Consequences of Macbeth’s Leadership
Impact on Scotland
Destruction and Suffering: Because of Macbeth’s reckless ambition, the innocent lives of the kingdom had to suffer a lot. The entire kingdom descended into chaos and instability because of him.
Symbolism of Unchecked Ambition: Macbeth’s unchecked ambition is the main reason for his reign’s destruction. Just see how peaceful the state of Scotland was when Duncan was in power and how destructive it became after Macbeth came in power. Shakespeare conveyed his thoughts by using symbols like birds
Legacy of Tyranny: After Macbeth came into power, Scotland was left in disarray. This made it necessary for Malcom to come back and establish a rightful nation.
Macbeth’s Downfall
Isolation and Betrayal: Because of an increased paranoia, Macbeth wanted to isolate himself. After gaining the prophecy, people started questioning his leadership. Everyone around him couldn’t be loyal to Macbeth because of his actions. This made him vulnerable and isolated from others, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Cautionary Tale of Unethical Leadership: Macbeth’s unethical leadership made him cost a lot. His unchecked ambition led him to take tragic decisions, which was a calling demise for him.
Inevitable Retribution: In order to restore the law and order in Scotland, Macduff called for Macbeth’s death. Macbeth had to face this for his heinous acts and was accountable for this completely.
Themes and Lessons on Leadership
Ambition vs. Morality:
Corruption of Ambition: No doubt, Macbeth was a noble warrior at first. But when the witches awakened his desire for power, Macbeth descended in morals. He started considering no ethics and committed heinous acts.
Importance of Ethical Boundaries: From this play, we learned that we must keep our ambitions within ethical boundaries. Also, it’s important to go with a moral compass to be an effective leader. Or else the downfall will be as tragic as Macbeth.
Power and Responsibility
Balance of Power and Moral Duty: The play conveys a powerful message to everyone. That is, you must balance your power and moral responsibility. But Macbeth couldn’t stand by it. He was a brave leader at first, but later his unchecked ambitions made him create a lot of chaos.
Risks of Pursuing Power at Any Cost: The tale warns us that one shouldn’t forget the ethical terms while pursuing his ambitions. We should always think about the consequences before taking any action. And especially as a leader of a state, it’s more important to be wise.
Final Thoughts
So the leadership analysis of Macbeth shows how Macbeth turns into a monster. It was surprising to see how a celebrated hero turns into a reviled turant just to fulfill. Macbeth succumbed to moral corruption because his ambitions consumed him. If he wouldn’t be violent and was a loyal king, he wouldn’t be a tyrant and face zero repercussions.
