Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I [Hardcover]

Shaun O'L Higgins (Author), Pamela Gilberd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000

In the nearly 45 years of her rule, Elizabeth I created and presided over one of the most dynamic political and cultural transitions in the history of the world. Her acheivements stemmed from extraordinary intelligence, unsurpassed communication skills, clear visions and a passionate belief in her nation and its people. As ruler, strategist, warror and woman, she was unsurpassed. This text captures the qualities that made Elizabeth I an icon for the ages. Its lively narrative, quotes from the queen herself, as well as insights from the contemporary female leaders who have followed in her footsteps, make this book an inspiration for women today.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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

Review

"A clever and cogent use of an historical figure to teach lessons for leaders of modern organizations." -- Carlo Vittorini, former

"At last, a management book based on a historic female leader." -- Patricia Ireland, President, National Organization for

"Elizabeth's genius and emotional intelligence shine throughout!" -- Josie Natori, Founder and CEO, The Natori Company

"Smart, useful and highly readable..." -- Shirley Nelson,

"The authors bring Elizabeth to "life" to identify the challenges and opportunities of uncommon leadership sparked by passion and perseverance." -- Debbi Fields, Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 286 pages
• Publisher: Perseus Books; 1st edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738203904
• ISBN-13: 978-0738203904
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,495,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > British > Elizabeth I

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Gloriana, November 12, 2000

By 

Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I (Hardcover)

The authors assert that much of substantial value about effective leadership can be learned from Gloriana who ruled the nascent English Empire for almost 45 years. I agree. Her greatest accomplishments include:

 The establishment of the Church of England (in 1559)

 Re-establishment of the authority of the British crown at a time when other monarchies were deteriorating

 Re-establishment of English coinage after the nation's near (and total) bankruptcy

 Support of exploratory voyages (by Drake and Raleigh) in the New World to lay what eventually became the foundation of the British Empire

 Support of the cultural arts during what is now regarded as England's "Golden Age" (ie the Elizabethan Age) of literature, theater, and music

 Survival of all manner of foreign threats (eg invasion by the Spanish armada in 1588) as well as domestic conspiracies (e.g. numerous assassination attempts)

These and other accomplishments are explained by her intelligence, commitment, tenacity, charisma, style,grace, and charm. Also by her almost ferocious determination. Also by what the authors characterize as her brilliant use of "pragmatic delays." It is also worth noting that she led an all-male government with an androgynous style designed to transcend gende rissues. Moreover, throughout her reign, she sustained direct and frequent contact with her subjects at all social levels throughout the realm. Perhaps no other monarch in history was loved more.

The authors organize their material within 12 chapters whose subjects are indeed relevant to the our own business world: Leadership, Managing Finances, the Art of Spin, Team Building, Vision-Mission-Commitment, Decision-Making, Vast Intellect, Style, Gender Politics, Competitive Intelligence, Her Greatest Triumph, and Succession and Legacy. The authors include within their narrative comments by women in our contemporary business world, comments which reveal and illuminate the relevance of Elizabeth I's leadership strategies and tactics to what all executives today (not only CEOs and dcertainly not only women) now need to be effective. If you have seen the recent films Shakespeare in Love and/or Elizabeth, you can already envision this remarkable woman. Higgins and Gilberd create for her a much broader and deeper context with which to understand her greatest strengths and most admirable virtues. If and when I am ever permitted to have a "fantasy dinner", Elizabeth I would certainly be among those included, perhaps joined by Julius Caesar, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Katherine Graham, and Jack Welch.