A Tale of Two

Leaders
Isabella DEste vs Machiavelli

The Importance of Leadership

Chapter 2 discussed the struggles for power within the
Italian City-States and the wars between them.
Humanists came to believe that strong leadership would
bring peace and stability.
This would allow businesses and the arts to prosper.
The question then arose; who should these leaders be and
how should they best rule?

The First lady of the World

Isabella DEste grew up in a cultured family in the
city state of Mantua. She received a classical
education and met many famous humanist scholars
and artists.

At 16 she married the Duke of Mantua. Their court

became the centre of learning, music, and visual arts.
She was admired for her brilliant mind.

The Duke was often away on military campaigns, so

Isabella ruled the city state in his absence.

Isabella listened to state officials and allowed her

subjects to speak to her about any concerns.

By making herself available and communicating with

her subjects, Isabella was able to maintain the pulse
of Mantua.

The End Justifies the Means

Niccolo Machiavelli was a Florentine civil servant who
observed people and governments. His observations
led him to new ways of thinking about leadership and
power.

Machiavelli had many controversial theories about

government but his book The Prince was very
popular, even today. Below are some of his more
famous observations.
It is a good general rule about men, that they are
ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers, fearful of
danger and greedy for gain.
it is often necessary in order to preserve the state
to act contrary to faith, contrary to mercy, contrary
to humaneness, and contrary to religion
The end of all that counts.

Isabellas Leadership Style

PROS:

CONS:

Machiavellis Leadership Style

PROS:

CONS:

Which Leadership Style Would

You Use?
The Compassionate
Leader

The Efficient Leader