Queen Elizabeth II: Maternalistic Leadership and Royal Partnerships

The British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has spent 6 decades on the throne. Although she is the head of state, she has no political or executive role in government; she does however hold the supreme power in The Royal Family; she is also a very important figure for the people of the British Commonwealth. The Sovereign leads the government, The Royal Family, and the people of the commonwealth through her: natural traits, learned skills, maternalistic behaviour, the supportive path she takes to help her followers’ goal attainment, and her partnership relationships with her followers.

Queen Elizabeth II is born into a Monarchy; one could argue that she was born to lead; she has innate qualities which perpetuates her success as a leader.

Based on the trait model of leadership, The Queen is unquestionably intelligent, self-confident, and determined. Intelligence Self-confidence Determination Innate personality traits coupled with other individual attributes influenced Queen Elizabeth II’s learned skills: problem solving skills and social judgment skills. Such can be derived from the aftermath of the announcement made by Prince Harry and Meghan to step back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II was able to resolve a problem which the solution would ultimately affect the future of the Royal Firm and be subject to public scrutiny; in the end she was able to set aside her biases to come up with a mutually agreeable arrangement amicably and impartially in a timely manner.

Not to be overlooked, this situation also demonstrated her social judgement skills; she understands the the emotions of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with the pressures of Royal life and their desire to lead a different life.

But also takes into consideration the rest of the British Commonwealth’s unrest at the proposition of funding the upkeep of the Sussex’s British Estate; they feel that Harry and Meghan should not be allowed to maintain all the privileges of being members of the Royal Family while foregoing Royal responsibilities. Queen Elizabeth II’s skill set is skewed towards a relationship-focused leadership style. Although she plays different leadership roles: in government, in the Royal Family, and in society, the underlying orientation of her leadership leans towards relationship maintenance.

As a ceremonial figurehead role in government, her responsibilities are representational and help to create a sense of stability and continuity. For example, As an active senior member in the Royal firm, her responsibilities are executive and help to create a unified front. And as a symbolic figurehead in the lives of the people of the British commonwealth, she helps to identify national identity. Relationship focused leadership style exhibited in the interactions of The Queen supports her maternalistic behaviour in managing her followers towards a goal. The Sovereign leader uses authority compliance management when she is managing the Royal family.

On the other hand, she uses country club management style when she is managing government institutions. Queen Elizabeth II uses a maternalistic behavioural approach to managing followers all the while supporting them in their path towards their goals. Path Goal theory describes maternalistic managing behaviour as. The supportive nature of The Queen’s relationship with her followers leads way for her to build a partnership with them. strives for partnership - to be inclusive of everyone - to treat everyone as if they are in the inner circle - she wants to bring a sense of unification and stability to her followers