The Queen’s Legacy of Leadership

Queen Elizabeth was the epitome of female leaders. Being the head of state for 15 countries, most of us have lived most of our lives under her reign. For as long as we can remember she has been on bank notes and coins, stamps, passports and post boxes. The queen normalised women being in charge without even mentioning it. Devoting her entire life to duty, The Queen earned a positive public image not only in the UK but around the world. Her Majesty lent her patronage to more than 600 charities, public service organisations, and military associations.

Age and gender never stood in the way of Queen Elizabeth II

When she became queen in 1953, both her age and gender made it difficult to be taken seriously, but she didn’t let that stop her! Winston Churchill thought her to be too inexperienced in the role, but quickly changed his mind when she set the standard of earning loyalty and respect of her fans.

Leading by example

She led the way for women to also step into roles of leadership and responsibility. Being the headstrong woman she was, she became the first woman in the royal family to join the armed forces as a full-time active member during World War II, refused to give up her surname when married, and instead of passing orders from behind the desk as many business leaders do, Queen Elizabeth believed in leading by example. She exemplified servant-leadership, a concept most leaders don’t know about, let alone follow.

“I know of 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.” Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen gave royal assent to the Succession To The Crown Act in 2013, which meant that sons and daughters of future monarchs have equal rights to the throne.

Throughout all of her 70 years, Queen Elizabeth had shown great resilience and the perfect example of great leadership. Her death has been felt throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries, as well all around the world.