Work Lessons From Queen Elizabeth II

Where were you in 1952? Ian Fleming was writing Casino Royale which would introduce a character that forever changed the perception of England, four lads from Liverpool were actual lads no older than eleven, Joe Dimaggio retired from the New York Yankees and his position was taken over by a young Mickey Mantle, The United States was fighting in Korea and on the new format of television a former starlet was appearing in I Love Lucy.

Serve

Some have greatness thrust upon them. When Elizabeth became queen at twenty-six she said "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service." 

Long or short. Life is long as you are going through it, short when it is complete. She worked until yesterday. There were no "Mental Health Days", no delegation unless absolutely necessary. She remained constant.

Lead

The monarchy is more ceremonial than governing. It is a nice tradition. The Queen served through fifteen Prime Ministers and advised them all. She was the manifestation of consistency and stability.

Use Experience and Perspective

Trust fund babies can usually avoid fighting in wars. Elizabeth served in World War II. Not as a figurehead. She was a mechanic and did not hide behind her gender or "Bone spurs." She used her experience from the war and enduring the blitz to ease the nation during the Covid 19 pandemic which is still in play. The United Kingdom lost 205,000 citizens to Covid.

Life Consists of Final Partings as Well as First Meetings

We knew this day would come. It seemed abrupt since there was the changing of Prime Ministers. I expected her to meet the next Prime Minister. In the Brexit era that position is a revolving door. Charles will do well in the position. His mother set the bar so high any future monarchs will have to blaze their own trail.