Archive: Opinions

Leadership is a characteristic that all of us admire.  Each of us possesses some degree of leadership whether at home, work, or in our daily interactions with others. Leadership is often described as innate or a gift that only certain individuals possess.

Perhaps you have heard someone describe another person as a “born leader.”  This notion may have some truth.  There might be a leader gene in our genetic makeup, and someday we may find that gene.   But I believe leadership is a trait that is acquired over time especially if an individual continually faces situations that demand a timely and decisive action.

When we think of leadership, we look to our elected officials, military personnel, law enforcement officers and emergency responders.  In other words, we expect persons in authority to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that will make them true leaders.

This week, I suggest we expand our definition beyond the modern understanding of those who have the potential to be leaders.   Having just celebrated her 60th Anniversary, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II serves as a beacon of leadership at a time when Europe and most of the world needs a positive role model.

Queen Elizabeth is someone who has acquired leadership over six decades as monarch.  Few world leaders could have survived the changes that she has experienced in her lifetime.   She may have been born into a royal family, but she was not supposed to be in line for the throne.  It was her uncle who changed history by marrying a divorced American woman, and in doing so, set the stage for Elizabeth II.

As I watched the pageantry of her diamond jubilee and listened to the various commentators, I soon realized that this one woman possessed those qualities that all of us look for in our own leaders.  With great humility, dignity, and respect, she has seen the British Empire transform into the Commonwealth of Nations.  During her reign, mere subjects of a once powerful empire have been welcomed to the palace as Prime Ministers, Presidents, and admired heroes of freedom and democracy.

She has remained a woman of poise and grace, a philanthropist, and humanitarian on par with the greatest of our generation.  She has experienced heartaches and tragedies in her own life from her children’s divorces to the death of Princess Diana.  Her husband is a veteran of World War II and, her grandson has served in Afghanistan.

I watched the events on the BBC website, and was taken by her persona.  People of all races, ages, and backgrounds overflowed with enthusiasm.  When her carriage passed through the streets of London, crowds roared with approval.  In Westminster Abbey, those in attendance sang an especially moving, “God save our Queen.”  When the camera turned to the Queen, you could see a bit of unease on her face as if she wanted to say, “Why all the fuss.  Come along now.”

At a time when the world is looking for leadership, we are so very lucky to have Queen Elizabeth II.  She stands as a real leader who has learned to be an effective, compassionate, thoughtful and likeable over these many years. With her purse in hand and always sporting a sensible hat, she has what it takes to be a leader.   Six decades later, her loyal subjects give her an 80% approval rate.  This rebel across the pond joins the chorus and agrees, “God save Our Queen.”  And that is to the Point.

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