This past Friday was a momentous occasion with the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London. It was as revered as the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Di more than three decades ago.
Not only did the families prepare but the world took note for months with news coverage following every detail of the royal preparation. And with this modern day royal wedding, there is an opportunity to glean how leadership emerges. People stepped up and stepped in to every possible role to help make the day a success.
But more than that, the great event also compelled me to ponder how the event brings ways for leaders to see how to overlay the event with leadership development strategies.
Here are 7 ways that the occasion of the royal event brings a high-quality leadership lesson to the forefront.
1. Attire – Apparently, Kate and Prince William had their vows and attire prepared. For weeks, news media have endlessly speculated about what custom-designed garments would be featured to represent the grand event. In the same way, some leaders adorn themselves with specific attire to signify their status or position. This shows leaders who are able to show themselves poised and ready for action.
2. Coat of Arms – A special coat of arms was designed for Kate and Prince William to demonstrate their new branch of Britain’s royalty. It distinguishes them from any other branch of their families. Like any leader who emerges, there is a certain degree of style, or trademark qualities assumed. Every leader should have in mind what their special emblem will be and what legacy will be left with it.
3. Lady-in-Waiting – Like traditions for royalty before her, Kate will have the benefit of ladies-in-waiting, those who will attend social events with her. Typically these are relatives or close friends who take on a role of assisting her at the wedding and beyond. Isn’t that true for most leaders too? They have an inner circle of advisors and allies to accompany them and assist them, as needed.
4. Choir – At Westminster Abbey, choirs and other musical performers practiced for months for the royal wedding. It goes without saying that leaders must have a “choir” and allies to reinforce their positions and opinion. These can be friends, advocates, a community, or new supporters. At the end of the day, every leader must have followers, right?
5. Preparation – Like any special event, the royal wedding is no different. It required a solid action plan and assigned duties. The attention to detail by the British government as well as the collaboration with others shows how vital good leadership is essential for any extraordinary event.
6. Mentoring – Already, there is evidence that the young couple sought support and endorsement from Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s oldest monarch who has ruled since 1952. Their first step to glean insight and wisdom from elders resembles that of leaders who seek the advice of mentors, coaches, and advisors.
7. Title Change – On his wedding day, Prince William received a new title as a duke. It is customary for British royalty to receive this new title. Kate also assumed the title of ”Her Royal Highness” in addition to the title of princess. In the same way, leaders assume new titles when they assume new duties. Leaders can go a step further; however, and recognize that their new duties are not just about title but about the carrying forward the necessary obligations.
If nothing else, we appreciate the preparation of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. And we can appreciate that they have assumed new leadership posts in Britain’s monarchy. At the end of the day, this landmark event should remind leaders everywhere to recognize royal preparation required for any new leadership position.
