Diana, Princess of Wales as a Servant Leader

“I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved. I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give. I am very happy to do that, I want to do that.” (Paul 2017). This quote articulated by Diana, Princess of Wales. These simple, yet poignant words epitomized her mission. This was one of many quotes by her that referenced kindness and love. It also had a significant amount to do with why I chose Diana as one of my favorite leaders.

This was not a simple decision as there are so many extraordinary leaders throughout history and in my personal life to which I draw practices and strategies from each and every day. These are leaders who distinguish themselves from others with the dominant qualities such as vitality, self-confidence and charisma. My immediate responses were the more glaring options; those people and leaders who command power such as Steve Jobs, Angela Merkel or Bill Gates. After much reflection on the subject I selected Diana because she encompassed the entire package. She truly embodied glamour, compassion and duty.

To understand Diana’s leadership, we must first understand a little about her. Diana Spencer was born on July 1st, 1961 in Sandringham, United Kingdom. She later became Lady Diana Spencer in 1975 after her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer. On July 29th, 1981 she married Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne on July 29, 1981; advancing her to Princess of Wales. Together they had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The couple divorced in 1996. Sadly, Diana died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997 (Princess Diana 2019).

Management author Robert Greenleaf describes servant leadership as a calling to serve (Manning & Curtis 2019). Princess Diana was not only an amazing human being but she epitomized servant leadership. While all styles of leadership are important, servant leadership is selfless and truly focused on serving the interest of others. Even in her younger years, Diana had a great affection for children. This innate quality to understand and help people would translate in her later years into humanitarianism. It would also be especially evident in how enamored she was with her sons. Although Diana was predominantly private and shy she had the ability to enchant an audience. People were drawn to her and her authenticity. She had tremendous character which was based on a value system that was known, stated, cherished, lived and lived habitually. Clear vision and concern for others were leadership characteristics that motivated her and ultimately developed into her multitude of achievements. She knew she wanted to help people and this vision was obvious to anyone that knew her. Humility and selflessness were characteristics she demonstrated that may have differentiated her from the royal family. Princess Diana was recognized for being one of the first British Monarch’s to adopt servant leadership style (Cumberledge 2018). Diana was a great leader because of her profound commitment to social causes and charity work.

In addition to being a style icon, she was also extremely relatable to the general public. Behind the tiara and British monarchy, she was an immensely vulnerable woman. She opened up publicly about her battle with depression and bulimia. In the early 90’s when mental well-being was not at the forefront of overall health she gave a series of interviews which helped break away the stigma that surrounded mental health (Mendle 2017). Princess Diana encouraged anyone suffering to get help and by speaking publicly empowered those who felt alone to reach out and ask for the much needed assistance. She brought awareness to subjects she had firsthand experience with.

Unbelievably, the years she spoke openly about her struggle with bulimia, rates of women seeking treatment for bulimia in Great Britain more than doubled. The press coined this phenomenon the “Diana effect” (Mendle 2017). Diana did nothing more than share her reality but her story resonated with the public. It is because of these outstanding qualities she was affectionately referred to as “The People’s Princess”.

As a Princess it was her duty to attend galas and charity events, as an amazing leader it was her mission to spread compassion and love everywhere she could. Uncomfortable in the spotlight, she was able to capitalize on her leadership qualities and turn the publicity into the greater cause. Diana’s positivity and altruism, even while battling inner demons, were an inspiration to those that followed her.

Her humanitarian nature and philanthropic ways were admired by millions around the world. In a positon of power, she changed the face of British monarchy with her direct work with charities and people. Contact with the people became somewhat of a personal calling for Princess Diana and at one point she was supporter of over 100 charities. While on her visits to schools, hospitals and galas was well-known for devoting hours conversing with people and just listening to their experiences. These conversations were not for publicity or for display; they were authentically because she cared about those she spoke to. She campaigned for a worldwide ban of landmines after a visit to Angola in 1997 and became anti-landmine activists’ most prevalent advocate. (Frost 2018) Diana broke barriers with two of the most taboo diseases at the time; HIV/AIDS and leprosy. In a period where both diseases were thought to be passed by touch, she went out of her way to ensure those plagued did not feel ostracized. It was meaningful to her that she shook hands with and touched these patients. She understood the importance of human touch and kindness. Diana put aside any trepidation to care for those in need. To her humanity prevailed over any ignorance surrounding an ailment. She often put others needs above her own and was not afraid of being close to those suffering or less fortunate.

Princess Diana has changed my own leadership style and goals in that I practice more compassion because of her. I’ve worked with many people and leaders who exude the hardened exterior showing no flaws or fault in fear of exhibiting weakness. To this I have found the opposite effect to be true. It is when exposure to flaws is shared with others does the true learning begin. Acknowledging imperfections, practicing humbleness and moving forward are critical components of growth and learning.

These are tools that I have not only picked up from Princess Diana and other strong leaders but also important instilling these values to others. I’ve personally taken amazing lessons from Diana’s leadership as well as other humble leaders like herself. The response she received by the public because of her openness and sincerity was admirable. She possessed the instrumental principles of caring leaders including honesty, consideration, responsibility, persistence, excellence and commitment. Leaders that have been forthcoming with their trials and tribulations show culpability that not many of the more robotic dignitaries are willing to exhibit. There have been many a situation, both personally and professionally, I have been honest and stayed true to myself by exposing fault. This has not only substantiated trust but also been leveraged as a coaching tool for others. In reciprocation I find it refreshing when leaders open up and share struggles they have encountered, putting aside their ego. This quality in leaders demonstrates they are secure with their core values and open to learning at any and all stages of their lives.

I have always felt drawn to the late Princess in her grace, beauty and unbelievably kind heart. Subconsciously it may have to do with the fact we also share a birthday. I have always admired Diana’s modesty and profound care for others. She influenced others to be generous. According to The Princess Diana Memorial Fund, established in response to the outpouring of support which flooded in at the time of her death, the community groups and general public donated some $44 million. When the Fund ended in 2012, it had awarded 727 grants to 471 organizations and spent over $145 million on charitable causes (Frost 2018). Her children, William and Harry, have grown to carry on her legacy through charitable actions and loving hearts. Her impact was amazingly strong not only through her own children but people around the world.

Generally when leaders are referenced our immediate response leans toward the powerful, wealthy and forceful individuals. Servant leadership excludes people who are motivated by selfish goals. This style inverts the norm. Instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people. Princess Diana was a powerful woman whose fundamental purpose was to help others. This is where she felt most comfortable and at ease. She left an impression on everyone she came in contact with. The world is a better place having had her in it and that in of itself is leadership at its finest. 

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