As the longest reigning British monarch with 70 years in public service, Queen Elizabeth II was a force to be reckoned with. Ascending the throne at the age of 25, she became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries.
Despite facing acute grief at losing her beloved father, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II was rock-solid in her leadership. Even at a young age, she realized that she needed help and was unafraid to seek it. Her relationship with former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is well-known, and always acknowledged the help she received from him when she ascended the throne.
She believed that leadership is mainly about collective good. She once stated, “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.”
Here’s a short compilation of the leadership lessons from the world’s most popular monarch.
1) Adapt to change
Queen Elizabeth lived through wars and deep political turmoil but never let them faze her. She understood that change is an inevitable part of everyday life and faced them boldly. From decolonization to technology, she has led the way in embracing change and encouraged others to do so. Starting with televising her coronation, while being strongly advised against it, the Queen has always sought to understand the will of the people in keeping with the times. In the past, her grandson Prince William has admitted his admiration for her in a 2012 documentary, saying, “I think she’s brought life, energy and passion to the job, she’s managed to modernize and evolve the monarchy like no other.”
2) Grounding Routines
Even if you are the Queen, life can feel overwhelming and hectic at times. To keep herself grounded, Her Majesty religiously followed certain routines. She attended church every Sunday, her tea break was nothing short of sacred every day – a quiet hour to relax, and she ended each day by writing in her journal. Having a set routine helps lower mental stress and is recommended by experts as a key stress management technique.
3) Serve Others
The Queen has always recommended acts of service as the best way to get yourself out of a slump. She once said that giving of herself through good causes helps put her worries into perspective. She has also been quoted as saying that sometimes we need to be saved from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. Right from her coronation to other speeches on different occasions, the Queen has emphasized on being kind to oneself and others.
4) Lead by Example
The Queen has always lived by her principles. Even after crossing 90, she continued to work 40-hour weeks and remained committed to her people and work. During World War II, she volunteered to serve in the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a driver and mechanic. She is also unafraid to ask questions and her inquisitive nature has helped her understand the working of the world. From prime ministers to common laborers, she does not shy away from an opportunity to learn something new.
5) Focus on the Bigger Picture
As someone who has lived through wars, civil disturbances, and political turmoil, she urges people to focus on the big picture to keep moving forward. While the world is not an easy place to live in, it is the only home we have. Hence, we must make a concentrated effort to develop our sense of community and help each other through the bad times. In the past, the Queen has urged everyone to remember that “we have much more in common than there is dividing us.” It is this principle that she stuck to as the Royal Family weathered multiple scandals and controversies with dignity.
Those close to her have vouched for the fact that she was perceptible, funny, and extremely intelligent. The leadership lessons she imparted through her life will continue to live on as the world mourns the loss of a dynamic leader.
