Non-executive director, activist and communicator Sarah Waddington CBE pays tribute to the late Queen, whose leadership qualities were second to none.
US modern leadership pioneer Warren Bennis became famous when he said that “Leaders are made rather than born.”
Contrary to ‘Great Man’ and ‘Trait’ theory he believed that leaders weren’t such thanks to their genetics but were formed by ‘crucible moments’ that forced individuals to grow, think differently and look outside themselves. There can be no better example of this than a young Princess Elizabeth acceding the throne at just 25 on the death of her father. Taking the place of Head of State, surrounded by men mostly twice her age, would have been a formative moment that little could have prepared her for.
Since then, Queen Elizabeth II has proven herself as one of the greatest leaders of our time.
The most visible female leader in the world, there can be no doubt that the Queen had a unifying mission: to keep Great Britain, the realms and Commonwealth together, to support our armed forces and provide stability throughout a time of change and political and economic uncertainty.
Her values were British through and through – a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, respect and tolerance and individual liberty. She devoted herself to public service, knowing that to break this unwritten contract with society would break the monarchy. As she often would say: “I have to be seen to be believed.” Her speech during the coronavirus outbreak was one only she could give, providing a very human reassurance to the general public that was not forthcoming elsewhere. Without us even realising, she continuously filled a vacuum, steadying us at turbulent times through her very presence:
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”
The very definition of a leader is someone who commands followers and Queen Elizabeth had millions across the globe, united in admiration for her sense of duty, dignity and soft power. As Andrew Rawnsley wrote in the Observer: “She satisfied Britons’ love of tradition and pageantry while moving with the times just enough not to look archaic. Incremental adaptions to popular culture swelled the affection for her.”
Now all eyes turn to King Charles III who, as his mother before him, has been propelled into the role of Head of State on the death of a parent. Watching him from a human perspective it has felt unfathomable, brutal, almost inhumane to watch him follow the protocols that are necessary at this time, while needing to grieve.
But as a communicator his actions have been commendable and to see the affection his presence among the general public has generated shows that there is still a huge opportunity for the monarchy to remain a firm part of British life.
n his first address as King, he said: “As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
“And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.” A new era dawns. God save the King.
