A Few Margaret Thatcher Leadership Qualities:
Rooted Beliefs
Margaret Thatcher’s upbringing taught her the importance of self-help, charitable work and personal authenticity. Through the course of her decisions over the years, she was able to lean on those values as a moral and foundational compass. Leaders who understand their core values find success more painlessly.
Confidence
Once rooted in beliefs and having developed informed opinions, leaders develop instinctual confidence, which transmits to others as transformational leadership. This was the case for Margaret Thatcher as described by the Margaret Thatcher Foundation “Unlike many Conservatives at that time, she had little difficulty getting a hearing from any audience and she spoke easily, with force and confidence, on issues that mattered to the voters.”
Collaboration
Leaders who think they’ve got all the answers cannot to be trusted. Fortunately, Margaret Thatcher knew the importance of listening to the opinions of others. “I love argument. I love debate. I don’t expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me – that’s not their job” is perhaps one of her most memorable quotes. Every leader must understand this principle.
Resilience
Every true leader needs to rise from the ashes in order to inspire hope for others. This kind of resilience is illustrated in Margaret’s well known words “The fact that we are gathered here, now — shocked but composed and determined – is a sign not only that this attack has failed but that all attempts to destroy democracy will fail.”
Determination
Thatcher’s determination is ultimately what enabled her to set goals and see them through, including reducing the influence of trade unions.
Under the previous Labour government, led by James Callaghan, the UK had experienced severe and ongoing trade union strikes when public sector workers demanded larger pay rises.
Many services ground to a halt by the early months of 1979, with the period being dubbed the Winter of Discontent due to the cold weather and economic pressure caused by industrial action.
Thatcher gradually limited the influence of unions through legislature, which culminated in the 1984-85 miners’ strike after the decision was made to close down many unprofitable mines.
By building up coal supplies in advance and refusing to give in to union demands, Thatcher eventually broke the resolve of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) following a year of strikes, with the NUM finally conceding without a deal.
Strong relationship building
The former British prime minister made sure to forge strong political alliances, most notably with then-US president Ronald Reagan.
Sharing many political, financial and ideological approaches, the pair also supported each other’s military aims. These included Britain’s battle against the Argentine armed forces during the Falklands War in 1983 and the US bombing of Libya a year later.
These ties with the US ensured the UK remained a force in foreign affairs, with public support for the Falklands War proving to be an important turning point in Thatcher winning re-election in 1983.
Generations to come will be analyzing and emulating many more lessons learned from Margaret Thatcher. As the world travels down the paths she built, they are extended by leaders carrying on and holding on to similar principals.