Elizabeth I, (1533-1603), queen of England and Ireland from 1558-1603, daughter of the English King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn and the last of the Tudor rulers of England was a great leader because she possessed a number of the key qualities that distinguish some individuals as those able to lead other people. She was courageous, decisive, competitive, self-confident, responsible, tenacious and disciplined with a finely honed sense of accountability and integrity and both physical and emotional stamina.
Born in London on September 7, 1533, Elizabeth spent her childhood away from the court and received an excellent classical education under such scholars as Roger Ascham, who influenced her greatly. Henry's sixth wife, Catherine Parr, later became fond of the young Elizabeth and brought her back to court. She remained in Catherine's charge after Henry's death and took no part in the political intrigues following the coronation of her brother as King Edward VI. When Edward died, Elizabeth became a partisan of her sister Mary, refusing to support the revolt against Mary led by the English soldier and conspirator Sir Thomas Wyatts. Despite Elizabeth's evident loyalty, Mary, a devout Roman Catholic, was made uneasy by the Protestantism of the princess and her potential menace as an heir to the throne and, in 1554, Mary had Elizabeth imprisoned on the false charge of having been implicated in Wyatt's rebellion. She was later released, having outwardly professed Roman Catholicism, and regained Mary's favor. One might wish to criticize Elizabeth for this profession, which could hardly have been completely and possibly not even at all truthful. However, it is certainly arguable that discretion is not only the better part of valor, but also an important aspect of leadership, for proper timing is an essential leadership skill. It is as important to know when to speak as to know when to be silent. Elizabeth could h...