Communication lessons from the Queen

By Ryan Monastra

Given that we recently had a long weekend to celebrate the birthday of our beloved monarch. I thought I’d muse on a few of the business, communication and networking lessons we can all learn from the British Monarchy.

Lesson 1: If you’re going to conquer someone (or some countries), don’t go in half hearted. All guns blazing was the only way the Brits of history knew. Far from the aristorcrats we now see, the monarchs of old were ruthless, driven individuals with an eye for expansion. I don’t suggest ruthlessness as anything worthy to be praised. The ruthlessness of the British historically has earned them more than a few enemies – particularly those closest to them. But being driven, having an eye for expansion and going into business fully committed are worthwhile traits for any of us to consider.

Lesson 2: When you conquer new territory – either make friends with the locals, or get rid of them and start afresh. I cringed as I wrote this last night, but in business this is probably a wise line. If you take over someone else’s territory, or business – you’ve either got to entirely rid the business of everything that was there to do something new, or (if it’s functioning) befriend the locals – find out how it works in the new territory and try to align the values you see, with those of your organisation.

Lesson 3: Build bridges. If the monarchs of old were ruthless in conquering and killing, then our present monarch is single-minded about building bridges – see the recent trip to Ireland, the improved relations with France and Europe in general not to mention her general willingness to get chummy with the Obama’s as a valuable lesson, those you can’t conquer, might as well be your friends.

Lesson 4: Before you speak. Take elocution lessons. Have a think about how you want people to consider you, then present yourself in such a way that your audience knows it well. Do you want to be known as articulate, considered, even thoughtful? Or dynamic, intelligent, passionate, excited… the opportunities are endless.

Lesson 5: Plan. Write it down. Practice. Old Lizzie’s addresses aren’t exactly off the cuff. Some people can pull that off well. Most can’t. If you’re not sure which of those you are, err on the side of caution and plan well.

Lesson 6: When it comes to the media, feed out the information you want the world to know about you. The royals do this brilliantly, drip feeding the public only what they want as public knowledge. They almost always remain in control of what gets out. The closest you or I will likely get to paparazzi wanting to pry in on our business are the calls from those who would seek to sell us advertising – I love those phone calls and am all for someone offering me an opportunity to advertise – but ensure that the info that goes out is what you want it to be.

Lesson 7: Be confident in your kingdom. None of us here have a trace of the responsibility or privilege our monarchs are born into, but we each have our own businesses in which we are the key person. I have no doubt that the queen experiences moments of doubt as to whether she can do the job she’s been given, but when you watch the queen in public, she exudes confidence wherever she moves within her kingdom. She knows it’s hers. So today at work this is my suggestion. Look around you, smile, enjoy the privileges your business gives you, and have confidence in your abilities – you weren’t born into this job you’re doing – it’s your abilities that got you to where you are at.

Lesson 8: Warmth trumps austerity.

If there’s one thing that lizzie lacks, it’s a bit of warmth. It’s what Diana had that earned her the title ‘queen of hearts’ And it’s why people still talk about her. She got down to the level of the people in her service and worked alongside them, embraced them, and led them. Warmth will always trump austerity – so don’t be afraid to share a little of yourself with those whose custom you enjoy.