What do the Queen and Barack Obama have in common?
Not a great deal you might think, but watching the Queen’s visit to Ireland last week and now watching Barack Obama’s visit, I have been struck by the powerful personal impact they both have and just how much they have to teach us…
The Queen, a white woman in her 80’s . Obama, a relatively young black man. But they both captivated their audiences.
Obviously they have automatic status because of their positions as heads of state. But they both performed with classic leadership behaviours.
Just a few behaviours I spotted…
Elegance
They both hold themselves in a relaxed, upright posture. They have a serenity about them, a stillness which secures focus on them. Never intimidating, but exuding presence.
Smiling
The Queen isn’t known as a smiley person usually, but on this tour in particular she has looked very happy most of the time. Obama is a natural smiler. The humble smile puts us at ease. It says “I’m OK so you can be too.”
Speaking pace
They both speak at a measured pace. It is a pace which helps create a relaxed atmosphere, and reinforces their personal confidence.
Rapport
Obama is an excellent communicator and people person. He is easy with himself and naturally friendly, putting people at ease. The Queen not normally so. She often appears distant and formal, but on this tour she seemed to relax into an easiness with others that I have rarely observed. Speaking Gallic and sharing a drink helped her come down from her pedestal – giving the public the message that for this moment – I am one of you.
Such simple human behaviours, but ones that we so often neglect to remember when under pressure.
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