Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace, there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility. But when the blast of war blows in our ears, then imitate the action of the tiger… (Henry V, Act III, Sc i)

Leading a change, whether it’s a short charge or engaging in a two-year transformation project, getting your people on board is never easy. People like autonomy and mastery. When being asked to change, both of these things are threatened.

Enter storytelling – currently “on trend” as a way of helping leaders get buy-in from their teams. And why not? It is the oldest form of knowledge transfer that humanity has. Not only that, as Harari argues in Sapiens, it is this ability to cultivate collective belief in a cause that enables humans to so successfully(?) dominate the planet.

As an actor, it therefore seems obvious to look at what one of the world’s greatest storytellers has to teach us. Shakespeare, alongside introducing a depth of human psychology that pre-empts Freud and Jung, provides a repeatable structure in his plays that makes for compelling viewing. By reviewing this five-act structure, I have found it can serve as a template for leaders looking to drive a transformation project.

The Five Act Structure

1. Act 1: Exposition

  • Introduction of characters, setting, and conflict: The first act typically sets the stage for the drama to unfold. The characters, especially the protagonists and antagonists, are introduced, and the audience learns about the world in which the play takes place. The central conflict or dilemma is established, though it may not be fully realised yet.
  • Shakespeare often uses this act to introduce some thematic ideas and provide background information. In Henry V, we meet the key players as well as their current challenges (a worn-torn and unstable Britain) as well as possible future opportunity.
    • Lesson For Leaders: Begin by outlinging the current context, who is involved, the current challenges and the vision for the future.

2. Act 2: Rising Action

  • Complication of the central conflict: The rising action builds tension as characters begin to act upon the central conflict or their desires, leading to complications. In this act, characters face challenges or make decisions that will propel the story forward.
  • Shakespeare often uses subplots in this act, which serve to enhance the main plot or provide comic relief. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for example, Act 2 focuses on the mischief of Puck and the confusion among the lovers, adding complexity to the main conflict.
    • Lesson For Leaders: Once we have the audience’s attention, we can provide more details of the challenges, outline the possible actions, and suggest a plan of action.

3. Act 3: Climax

  • Turning point: Act 3 is where the story reaches its peak. The climax often involves a decisive event or confrontation that changes the course of the narrative. This is the moment when the main conflict comes to a head, and the fate of the characters becomes clearer.
  • In Macbeth, for example, Act 3 contains Macbeth’s actions in consolidating his power, which leads to his eventual downfall.
    • Lesson for Leaders: Now is the time to give more details of possible actions and their consequences, outlining the pros and cons of each. Be clear with your teams on what actions they can take to help progress the project and identify what will motivate them to do so.

4. Act 4: Falling Action

  • Consequences of the Climax: After the high point of the climax, the falling action depicts the consequences of the decisions made by the characters. The complications that arose in the earlier acts begin to unravel, and characters start to confront the fallout from their choices.
  • In Henry V, for instance, Act 4 reveals Henry’s struggle and also how he plans to resolve it. The resolution is outlined and the consequences of their actions are revealed – in this case by claiming a hard won victory over the “enemy.”
    • Lesson for Leaders: In this stage, it can be the time for the leader to reveal their vulnearbilities, virtues, as well as vices, and how they plan to contirbute to the plan. It is also a time to remind the people of the bigger picture and expected results.

5. Act 5: Resolution

  • The resolution or conclusion of the play: The final act brings the story to a close, tying up loose ends. Characters may face their final reckonings, and any remaining conflicts are resolved, often with a sense of catharsis.
  • In many of Shakespeare’s tragedies, this is where the protagonists meet their tragic end. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, Act 5 brings the tragic deaths of the lovers, followed by a resolution of the family feud.
    • Lessons for Leaders: To finish, it is important to highlight the lasting impacts of their choices as well as the benefits of success to them, both personally as well as organisationally.

But he’ll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words…
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d.
This story shall the good man teach his son;

Now some pepole may argue that Shakespeare’s time has passed. However, working at Olivier Mythodrama, I can see that his insights into human nature are as relevant and timeless as they have always been. And if you are looking to lead a change project, borrowing a leaf out of Shakespeare’s book might just be the charge you and your team need for victory.

For a concise template on this model, visit my website here.

Please leave a comment or question, and I will get back to you.