I considered 5 ways to be a Leader like Queen Elizabeth. In June 2022 the United Kingdom is celebrating our Queen Elizabeth being our monarch for 70 years. She is our unelected leader and figurehead of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Although the countries in the commonwealth are fewer than when she became Queen in 1952. Personally I believe that is a good thing, but it doesn’t detract from the Queen’s incredible reign as a figurehead and leader.

It is reasonable to say that there are some monarchies (Henry VIII comes to mind) where ruling was based on terror and avoiding having your head removed. In the 21st Century, I am relieved to report that certainly with the British monarchy, this practice no longer prevails. However, The Queen commands respect as a leader. How on earth does she do this?

I have identified 5 ways the Queen demonstrates her leadership role

1. She demonstrates her values of duty and respect. The Queen was third in line to the throne when she was born. She was not expected to become the monarch. This only happened when her uncle, Edward VIII abdicated and her father (George VI) became king. He was a nervous, quiet character, who had not been prepared as a future monarch. I am sure that Elizabeth absorbed the culture of ‘duty’ and hard work. She was also trained by her father, who was a significant role model for her. I do not know the Queen, but can only imagine the burden of becoming Queen at such a young age when her beloved father died. But she also recognised her duty in the role assigned by her.
2. The Language she uses. The Queen is a global leader and in the current era, has played a role on the international stage for the longest. As well as people in the Commonwealth, there are people globally who are dazzled by her presence. She is a Global speaker with people listening to her speeches who don’t always speak English as their native tongue. They could understand English but not very well. You will notice the Queen speaks slowly and clearly. She uses straight forward language, rather than sophisticated, difficult language to understand. Her voice has altered since she delivered her first official speech at 21 years of age. Of course she was a younger woman, but her accent has softened from an Edwardian Upper Class clipped voice to an easier voice for people to understand now.
3. She makes everyone feel very special when they meet her. There is no doubt that everyone who meets the Queen never forgets the occasion. A lot of the Royal Family’s work is opening buildings; supporting charities and initiatives. It is a huge honour to have a member of the Royal Family visit and it is such a moral booster. She and other members of the Royal Family are aware of this. She is prepared and is interested in the projects. And from what I have heard she listens, smiles and makes you feel important for that moment. Think what a leader’s influence could be if they adopted this?
4. She commands respect from her presence Of course being the guest of honour at an event means that the focus is on her. If she is wearing a crown or dazzling Crown Jewels – understandably this is a real statement. But she cannot be a shrinking violet: she has to own her role and have presence. I am sure there are occasions when she doesn’t want to be at an event, but she smiles and owns the space. She also has the respect of other leaders who recognise her wisdom and experience. The respect isn’t acquired through bling, controversial behaviour or even an effective PR campaign, it is genuine respect for her. The Queen was brought up in the Royal family: she is the daughter and granddaughter of Kings. It was only when her father became King (due to his brother’s abdication) that Elizabeth was trained to be the monarch. She learnt a lot from her father, who was a quiet, shy man – and whom had not been prepared to be king.
5. She is not controversial: always being diplomatic. Constitutionally the Queen is a figurehead of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She is not elected and plays no role in politics. She represents the UK on the world stage and always demonstrates diplomacy and not voicing an opinion – in public at least. Showing respect for her hosts without being controversial is crucial for her role. However, it is a characteristic I have observed when some leaders join an organisation. They are diplomatic at first; assessing the challenges, characters and organisation before making changes and sharing their vision.

As a citizen of the United Kingdom I have had the Queen as our monarch for my entire life. She represents me and my country as a highly respected world leader. The Queen shows how to be a leader with her behaviour and is highly effective. Here at SuperStar Communicator we deliver speeches and workshops on leadership communication. If you would like to discuss how we could support your organisation; developing leadership skills in emerging leaders, do arrange a call.