By Charlotte L. Hanna CCO/CMBS GLOBAL
Watching the movie The King’s Speech, one could not help but see the many similarities between the struggles of the royal family and small business owners. In
fact, in one scene, soon to be King George VI (Colin Firth) states of the monarchy, “We are not a family, we’re a firm.”
While it would have been easier on second son George had his older brother Edward VIII, the immediate heir to the throne upon the death of King George V, been willing to fulfill his role, the country of England may have actually benefited from George VI being in the position instead, in the face of WWII. His affirmation of Anglo-French solidarity, formation of a close friendship with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, support of the leadership of Winston Churchill, and visits to his armies on various battlefronts, made him an important symbolic leader of the British people and provided them cause for unity during wartime.
King George VI struggled with stammering, and as a result, felt inadequate to lead his people, initially. He focused on this speech impediment and ignored the other qualities he possessed. He felt inferior, lacked self-confidence, experienced fear, and did not welcome the idea of becoming king, as a result.
Because of the strength and influence of his partner in life, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, whom he married in 1923, Albert Frederick Arthur George was able to overcome his struggles. Together, he and Elizabeth remained in England, visible and actively displaying a love and care for their people throughout the Blitz, risking their lives as bombs exploded beside Buckingham Palace, and silencing even the meanest critics of the time.
King George VI kept a diary every night during the war, no matter how busy he was.
Can you see the similarities between the King’s story and those of being successful in business?
* Focusing on your weaknesses will keep you unproductive
* Focusing on your strengths will keep you productive
* Fear must be faced and dealt with if you are to overcome it
* Overcoming requires decision and action on your part
* Change, no matter how uncomfortable or unexpected, can provide better results, and may be necessary for survival
* A GREAT business partner can provide the support needed in the midst of challenges and hard times
* Taking a calculated risk is sometimes necessary, and can even bring you the respect of your market
* Business blogging, no matter how busy you may be, is important to your longevity and success in online marketing
After the death of King George V and the abdication of Edward VIII, it is said that the manner in which George VI conducted himself immediately after ascending to the throne of England, quickly restored the people’s confidence in the monarchy. Likewise, how you conduct yourself as owner of your business can determine the level of confidence in your leadership shown you by your team, as well as the market’s confidence in your company’s products and services.
