Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I - Hardcover

Higgins, Shaun O'L; Gilberd, Pamela

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0738203904 ISBN 13: 9780738203904

Publisher: Basic Books, 2000

Synopsis

Move over Shakespeare, the Virgin Queen has something to say about leadership...

In her forty-five year rule, Elizabeth I presided over one of the most dynamic political and cultural transitions in the history of the world. Her remarkable achievements stemmed from unsurpassed leadership ability, clear vision and a passionate belief in her nation and its people. As ruler, strategist, warrior, and woman, she was unmatched.

So, what can today’s enterprising women and men of industry learn from Elizabeth I?

For starters, how to remake a business: When she ascended the throne, England was impoverished, weak and demoralized. With Elizabeth at the helm, it was a thriving nation with a sense of direction and destiny. And, how to improve one’s brand: She raised England’s standing in the international community, defying Spain and frustrating Philip’s attempts to take over England and France. Or even, how to establish a well-rounded organization: Elizabeth I encouraged the culture that produced England’s Golden Age of literature, theatre and music. You’ll even read about Queen Bess on team building: She surrounded herself with brilliant, loyal counselors who respected her authority and feared her wrath. And, not to mention—how to dress for success, don a queen-like attitude, and remain confident and in-charge in the face of constant peril.

Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I introduces a new generation of readers to her wisdom, style, and legendary intellect. With amusing bits of history straight from the Queen’s court, Shaun O’L. Higgins and Pamela Gilberd reveal the qualities that make Her Majesty a timeless role model. Rife with wit and wisdom, this book also offers insight from contemporary women who have followed in her footsteps, from Kim Campbell, Canada's First Woman Prime Minister; to Patricia Ireland, President of the National Organization for Women; and Carol Stephenson, CEO of Lucent Technology in Canada.

Provocative and practical, Elizabeth I will fascinate and entertain managers, history buffs, and anyone who hopes to emulate the power and dynamism of the captivating Virgin Queen.

About this title

Review:

Given the recent publication of two management books about Queen Elizabeth I, it seems wise to wonder why a 16th century monarch has become the "It girl" for 21st century leaders. The answer is found in consultants Shaun O'L. Higgins and Pamela Gilberd's incisive and entertaining Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I. The authors have created vivid vignettes from Good Queen Bess's remarkable 45-year reign and translated her leadership challenges into contemporary business settings. They describe the mission they accomplish: "applying Elizabethan practices--'Bess' practices--that can help you establish the 'best practices' for your organization." Still, their portrait of Elizabeth is so compelling on its own terms, it is clearly not a book solely for business leaders or women.

The authors deftly review Elizabeth's resume: divorcing her dysfunctional family, establishing the Church of England, restoring the value of English coinage, laying the foundation of the British Empire, and sponsoring the Shakespeare-driven golden age of English literature. Then, they offer powerful, non-gimmicky analysis of "Elizabethan" leadership practices that fueled her rise to power, consolidated her position as a woman leading an all-male government, and sent her competitors packing. One instructive chapter explores Elizabeth as the first spin doctor--a pioneer in the public relations technique of branding; another offers a practical analysis of her famously slow decision-making.

In contrast to Alan Axelrod's Elizabeth I, CEO, a book that underlines business strategies drawn from Elizabeth's tenure, O'L. Higgins and Gilberd also interviewed 100 female executives and experts, including retired Brigadier General Karen Rankin and University of California Management Professor Judith Rosener, who describe Elizabethan-style examples and insights from their own organizations. In some cases, these leaders offer provocative parallels. Yet at times, their comments pale in comparison to the brilliant model of leadership that Elizabeth established in the age that bears her name. --Barbara Mackoff

About the Author:

Shaun O’L. Higgins, CEO of the Houston-Based Print Marketing Concepts, is an Elizabethan history expert. A prolific writer and frequent speaker at business conferences internationally, he is author of several books including his most recent: Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: WC Fields on Business. He lives in Spokane, Washington.

Pamela Gilberd, a direct descendent of Elizabeth’s lady in waiting, Dorcas Sydney, is a writer and consultant on business and career issues. She has written for The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, Cosmopolitan, and Executive Female. Her previous books include The 11 Commandments of Wildly Successful Woman. She lives in Carnelian Bay, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0738203904
• ISBN 13: 9780738203904
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 286