The Royal Family has put into place Operation London Bridge. It's a plan dating back to the 1960s; it's for what happens following a monarch's passing. London Bridge reportedly lists what will occur next. It's a detail of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.
Although we knew the day would come, it’s hard to comprehend a world without one of the longest-reigning monarchs.
Since her passing, leaders globally have expressed words of appreciation, gratitude, and honor for her life.
In his first address as king, Charles III characterized his mother as "an inspiration."
He said, "Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years."
For her 70 years of service, Queen Elizabeth II portrayed what it looked like to be a steady, consistent. and faithful leader.
We most defintiely can learn from Queen Elizabeth II’s life on leadership:
First: She Advocated for Innovation. Leaders should be at the cutting edge of change and willing to adapt to revolving times. Queen Elizabeth II was known for being a forward thinker. Thus, one of her first acts as queen was broadcasting the coronation live on television in 1953 — which never had been done previously. As a result, more than 20 million people watched the broadcast, and it was the first time TV viewers outnumbered a radio audience.
In 1976, she would be the first royal to send an email. Under her reign, the first royal website and social media accounts were launched.
The UK’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, said, "Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built."
The queen knew the times would be changing, and she wanted to be at the forefront of it --- as should every leader.
Second: She Embraced Humility. Successful leaders employ humility — empathize with others, listen to those they lead and eliminate barriers.
Elizabeth II wasn’t afraid to break with tradition. During a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, rather than waving from a protected distance, she took a casual stroll on the streets to greet a crowd of people.
Royals typically waved to crowds from balconies or at a distance in a vehicle. This act - now known as a "walkabout," inspired the next generation of British royals and became a regular practice.
Leaders who want a healthy culture are approachable and bridge divides.
Third: She Embodied Consistency. In every situation, leaders must act in a way which truly reflects their values and the standards they uphold. Through consistency, leaders can build trust.
During her seven decades of leadership, British monarch remained steadfast in who she was. The words Elizabeth II during her coronation in 1953 still rang true the moment she passed. During her coronation, she pledged, "Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust."
The queen appointed 15 prime ministers under her reign. Despite the changes in political parties, she remained steadfast to her principles and who she was as a leader.
While circumstances and people may change, leaders need to remain true to their guiding principles and not falter under pressure.
Fourth: She Connected with Those She Led. Communication is fundamental to any leadership role. While those who lead need to connect with those they lead, they should provide a voice of stability in moments of crisis, uncertainty, and chaos.
There were only a few times Queen Elizabeth broke from tradition and held a TV broadcast outside of her yearly Christmas greeting. A few of those times included the Gulf War, Princess Diana’s death, and at the beginning of 2020.
At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the queen addressed the nation saying she hopes that when Britons look back on this event they will "take pride in how they responded" and say that "this generation was as strong as any."
One attribute she mentioned they should exemplify is self-discipline.
The queen not only provided a reassuring voice in a moment of disarray, but she also detailed what qualities she expected from the nation.
Leaders must be a voice of hope, but also provide expectations.
Fifth: She was Prepared. Leaders are ready to handle any situation.
The queen was an unlikely leader. The daughter of King George V’s second son, she was not expected to succeed to the throne.
When her uncle King Edward VIII abdicated the throne, her father, George VI, became king. Queen Elizabeth was only 25 years old when she inherited the throne after her father’s sudden passing.
In a radio broadcast from South Africa, a few years before she would become queen, she said, "I declare before you that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."
At a young age, the queen was willing to serve the people of the UK.
For 70 years she would work to make the UK a better place.
Many situations leaders face are unpredictable. It’s imperative for leaders to be willing to step into new opportunities, continually growing in their roles.
Queen Elizabeth II’s life was not only remarkable because of the way she led, but how she was able to remain in a leadership position for so long with grace and dignity.
While the world mourns the loss of a queen, we can be reminded of the many characteristics she demonstrated, ones that leaders can apply in their own lives.
Dr. Kent Ingle serves as the president of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, one of the fastest growing private universities in the nation. A champion of innovative educational design, Ingle is the author of "Framework Leadership.'' Read Kent Ingle's Reports — More Here.