Queen Elizabeth II - Steadfast Leadership
"Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God." Queen Elizabeth II
Last week I learned of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, like most big headlines these days, on my phone. It was an all too casual, anti climatic, and disappointing way to receive such big news - incongruous of her majesty. I guess I'm just old fashion and accustomed to learning of such headlines more formally. It gave me pause. It was more than a passing headline, it was the end of an era - the closure of an unprecedented reign of leadership. It was hard to fathom what this woman had seen and experienced in her life - how she had been thrust into a position of leadership and remained steadfast and loyal for more than 70 years.
Steadfast leadership.
I'm no student of the British Monarchy but how can one not admire her years of service and the character and example she displayed through it all? As news outlets paid tribute to her life I learned of her acts of leadership - speeches she delivered amidst turmoil in the royal family, how she jumped in the driver seat and took the Saudi King Abdullah for a ride showing him that women were completely capable of driving (something outlawed in his country), and when she ordered the Star Spangled Banner to be played during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace following the attacks on America on September 11th, 2001. This is what leaders do.
Steadfast leadership.
Barry Walsh, the founder of Power of Seven, a business advisory firm states, "steadfast implies a sureness and continousness that may be depended upon. The steadfast leader is dependable, reliable, constant, and unwavering. She stays the course, follows through, develops good habits and keeps them." That sounds exactly like what Queen Elizabeth II delivered to her nation and to the world. I and so many other leaders across the world can only hope to measure up.
My condolences to the United Kingdom and the royal family.
Rob
Rob Campbell