21. Cleopatra: An Example for Modern Women Leaders?

This paper analyses Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt from a modern leadership perspective in the historical context. Cleopatra’s leadership behaviour is analysed through the lens of modern leadership practice. First her key leadership challenges are described: career management, managing Egypt’s joint venture with Rome, moving her country from loss to profit; and ensuring her own succession. Her behaviour in meeting those challenges is then analysed to see which and to what extent she used particular leadership competencies: Vision and Strategy Development, Overcoming Internal Competition, Leveraging Difference, Generating Positive Change, Stakeholder Management, Building and Maintaining a Network. Cleopatra was strongest in leveraging her difference as a woman and weakest in building and maintaining a network. Modern women can learn from Cleopatra's strengths and weaknesses in order to avoid pitfalls and follow those behaviours that fit today’s organizational challenges.