Leadership Lessons With The Queen
Royalist or not there are countless lessons to be learnt from a leader whose career has spanned 70 years. What has struck me most has been the Queen’s ability to stay true to her values whilst honouring the requirements of a role.
This blend of knowing what you stand for and how this aligns with what is required of you provide a clear identity for others to follow.
“I know no single formula for success, but over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together. “
HRH The Queen
As we emerge from the 4-day stunning spectacle that was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration there can be no doubt that within those 70 years of leadership are some valuable lessons that we can all benefit from.
Putting Other’s First
One of the resounding phrases that we hear in reference to our Queens leadership style is that she leads from the heart in service to others. Up until recently she was still a very active leader, representing our country on the world stage, inspiring those around her. She leads from the front, which is a core leadership value, never asking others to do what she wouldn’t do.
Leading From The Front
The Queen lives and leads in alignment with her values which are service, family and devotion to her people. It is to her that we looked during our darkest times during World War II or more recently in her address to the nation during the pandemic. The phrase of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is synonymous with the Queen. Her strong presence and clear communication style is an excellent example for effective leadership.
Strength In The Face Of Adversity
As a leader she brings reassurance and stability and inspires confidence. Strong leaders need to be able to be looked up to during times of change and challenge, but they also need to be seen to be adaptable. Throughout her reign she has been open to adapting technological advances to evolve, helping her to become more visible to her people. She’s not afraid to embrace change and insisted her 1953 Coronation should be televised whilst also being one of the first heads of state to ever sent an email. Even in her darkest hour when she recently lost her husband, her strength and determination to do her duty shone through.
‘When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future’
HRH The Queen
Building A Consistent Brand
As one of the most recognisable people in the world, how she shows up is consistent. Her use of bright colours and strong personal style helps to identify her as a leader as does her image, tone and character. Her longevity must be down to her excellent diet and the time she makes for walking every day, eating a healthy diet, which according to has her chef, includes daily fish and vegetables as well as exercising with her dogs and horses regularly.
Leading With Empathy
From volunteering in World War II to join the ATS as a driver and mechanic to leading us through to our current day challenges and conflicts, the Queen’s leadership style has blended professionalism with empathy. Her ability to remember personal details and connect with her guests and leaders on a personal level from around the world is legendary.
Which of these leadership lessons do you think is most important?
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