I watched Trooping the Colour yesterday and when the anthem was played, my first thought was how alone the Queen looked standing without her husband, but my immediate second thought was one of admiration. Now many readers will be aware that I am a proud monarchist, but my admiration had nothing to do with that, patriotism or a love of London, but more to do with how this woman has, for decades, thrived in what is essentially a mans world.
She lives in a world that is dominated, sadly, by men, be it politicians, Civil Servants or world leaders, professions not known for their tact, subtlety or indeed lack of ego, but well known for a keen desire for personal advancement, steely focus and a strong grasp on the greasy pole of ambition. Yet they all express total respect for a woman who didn't even have to apply for her job, has done the same job for 60 years and will never have any chance of promotion.
Those who have seen The Audience starring Helen Mirren will have seen how even the most Socialist of PMs had utmost admiration for her, would look forward to their weekly meetings and would hang on every word she had to offer.
It was striking that soldiers taking part in yesterday's parade, when interviewed, were very clear that this was one of the best days of their lives and how they were immensely proud at being given the opportunity to participate - these are real men who have spent time fighting in places like Afghanistan, in shocking conditions and yet show enormous regard for this woman who lives in luxury protected by personal bodyguards.
She is the perfect example of how dignity, charm and a real belief in what you do can disarm others, gain their respect and build solid and enduring relationships - isn't this a fantastic lesson that we can all use, particularly women, in both business and life in general?
We don't need to fight fire with fire, we don't be to be cut throat in our approach and we don't have to play hard, we just need conviction, confidence and dignity
You don't have to like the Queen or even the idea of her, but you have to admit that to be able to hold her own in such a world shows real girl power - forget Sporty, Posh, Ginger, Baby & Scary, this is the original Queen spice, holding her own since 1952!
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Summer of 76 - fact or fiction?.
At last it appeared this week that summer is upon us, maybe......which got me thinking about that oft remembered summer of 76, which for me means days of water fights with fairy liquid bottles, melting Tarmac pavements, cricket on the radio & sitting in the washing up bowl with my sister to cool down (oh to be that thin again!).
Was it really the romantic idyll that we all recall though?
The summer of 76 was indeed one of the hottest on record, meaning that some parts of the South West went without rain for 45 days during July & August & for those us of growing up, it was a fantastic time to be young, enjoying those long hot sunny days. However it was also a time of difficulty and economic crisis, including riots at the Notting Hill Carnival, soaring inflation and finishing the year with the announcement of a 2.3 billion pound loan from the IMF
Which led me to ponder on the ability of the Great British public to look at the past through rose tinted glasses. It is easy to label us as a bit of a moaning nation (whining Pomms???), but when looking at the past we tend to wrap it in a blanket of loveliness, days were longer, doors could be left unlocked, even the war is tinged with a feeling of mucking in & everyone looking after each other. 1976 is just one example, but each generation has their own, my parents certainly feel things were better in their day! Is this a bad thing though? & actually isn't it nice that we can look back in this way & have the ability to feel good about a time that maybe wasn't quite the time we recall?
What does this say about the ability we have to be positive & deal with things? Well whatever it says, for me, 1976 will continue to be the year of sun, the Jubbly & those iconic orange space hoppers!!
Was it really the romantic idyll that we all recall though?
The summer of 76 was indeed one of the hottest on record, meaning that some parts of the South West went without rain for 45 days during July & August & for those us of growing up, it was a fantastic time to be young, enjoying those long hot sunny days. However it was also a time of difficulty and economic crisis, including riots at the Notting Hill Carnival, soaring inflation and finishing the year with the announcement of a 2.3 billion pound loan from the IMF
Which led me to ponder on the ability of the Great British public to look at the past through rose tinted glasses. It is easy to label us as a bit of a moaning nation (whining Pomms???), but when looking at the past we tend to wrap it in a blanket of loveliness, days were longer, doors could be left unlocked, even the war is tinged with a feeling of mucking in & everyone looking after each other. 1976 is just one example, but each generation has their own, my parents certainly feel things were better in their day! Is this a bad thing though? & actually isn't it nice that we can look back in this way & have the ability to feel good about a time that maybe wasn't quite the time we recall?
What does this say about the ability we have to be positive & deal with things? Well whatever it says, for me, 1976 will continue to be the year of sun, the Jubbly & those iconic orange space hoppers!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)