Reflection Paper: Princess Diana
Karen Whelan
Strategic Planning
Professor Regina McCurdy
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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Introduction
Often referred to as the “People’s Princess,” Princess Diana gave hope and
comfort to victims of poverty, disease, and social injustice. Her championing of AIDS
brought worldwide focus on the disease. Her commitment, astute use of power, and
emotional intelligence influenced change in public’s attitudes about the disease. Diana
was truly a world leader, albeit in a nontraditional sense of the word. For this reason, I
have chosen her for the subject of this paper.
Vision, Eloquence and Consistency
Princess Diana’s vision was to champion philanthropy throughout the world. She
was one of the world’s most photographed and sought after people, thus, enabling the
Princess to take on worthy (often taboo) causes, and “encourage people around the globe
to donate of their time, skills, effort, and money to good causes” (Selvon, 2008). She
worked consistently on behalf of charitable organization bringing attention to the many
issues addressed by international volunteer programs. Princess Diana persuasiveness “. .
. did much more than just raise funds for various charities; she compassionately served
those in need and inspired countless people to follow her lead” (Selvon, 2008).
Articulation of the Business Model
Diana’s business model for AIDS was to humanize the diseased. While not the
leader of the organization, she played a critical role in dispelling the majority public’s
incorrect perceptions of the AIDS virus. Her public displays of support for aid victims to
include physical contact with infected patients and informative public speeches helped to
achieve the business model.
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Commitment
Princess Diana commenced her philanthropic work in the 1980’s, perhaps to make
her life more meaningful. The appropriateness of Diana’s involvement with AIDS was
highly questioned, even by the royal family. She continued her dedication through her
very public break-up and subsequent divorce from Prince Charles. “During this period,
Diana is said to have suffered various health problems such as bulimia and depression”
(Pettinger).
After the divorce, Diana honed her efforts toward six charities, one of which was
AIDS. “. . . she traveled thousands of miles around the world each year, sometimes taking
her sons along with her so that they could see and understand the troubles and hardships
of the less fortunate” (Nosotro, 2003).
Being Well Informed
Princess Diana’s support behind AIDS was catapulted to the forefront when she
was pictured shaking hands with an AIDS patient. This is also indicative of her
knowledge of the disease. Princess Diana was quoted saying, “HIV does not make
people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven
knows, they need it" (Princess diana charity work). Her willingness to touch those
afflicted with AIDS helped to influence change in people’s perceptions about the disease.
Diana’s knowledge of the disease was evidenced also in her public speeches. She
espoused awareness of how the disease was spread, pointing out that growth of the
disease was highest amongst heterosexuals, which was counter to the public opinion that
AIDS was primarily a homosexual affliction.
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Willingness to Delegate and Empower
Diana knew that knowledge can empower! Developing further on the comments
above regarding her public speeches, Diana urged the public to educate themselves and
other on the risks of AIDS. As quoted from a speech given to women and children with
AIDS on September 3, 1993, “I feel certain, we as a nation still need to develop a deeper
understanding of what AIDS really is. . . . be just a little more aware and just a little less
embarrassed about how the virus is transmitted . . . In that way, perhaps, we may play a
small part in helping to protect a person we love from becoming infected with HIV”
(Diana speeches).
The Astute Use of Power
As indicated earlier, Diana was often said to be one of the most photographed
people. At the time, she appeared on the cover of People magazine more than anyone
else. Diana was aware of her fame and used it to make philanthropic work glamorous.
She also understood how her popularity could boost monetary contributions for her
charities. For example, Diana hosted a 1990 fundraiser for Grandma’s House, a group of
Washington homes for abused, abandoned and HIV-positive children, which raised
$100,000. Additionally, “in June of 1997, Diana auctioned off 79 of her evening gowns
at Christie’s in New York for the benefit of AIDS and cancer funds, raising more than
$5.7 million” (Nosotro, 2003).
Emotional Intelligence
While all of the characteristics of emotional intelligence, Diana’s was most
centered in empathy and social skills. Her self-awareness through the astute use of power
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and motivation evidenced in her commitment to charitable causes are very evident as
indicated above, but her natural sympathy was her greatest trait. Although a royal, Diana
had a very personable touch and was at ease in meeting people from all walks of life.
“The patients would react very favorably to her meetings, they warmed to her life energy
and heartfelt sympathy. Part of her appeal was her sympathy and natural compassion. She
could empathize with people’s suffering, having suffered much herself” (Princess diana
charity work).
Summary
In conclusion, Princess Diana exemplifies a strategic leader. Her commitment,
astute use of power, and emotional intelligence influenced change in public’s attitudes
about AIDS. Further, “Diana's philanthropic legacy has inspired many to give to
charitable causes” (Nieboer). During her life and after death, her collaboration with
AIDS charities raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and treatment.
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Bibliography
Diana speeches. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2010, from Settelen Communications:
http://www.settelen.com/diana_women_and_children_with_aids.htm
Hill, Charles W. L. & Jones, Gareth R. (2010). Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach,
9th edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Nieboer, S. (n.d.). Diana, pricess of whales. Retrieved January 16, 2010, from Learning
to Give: http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper88.html
Nosotro, R. (2003). Princess diana. Retrieved January 16, 2010, from Hyper History.net:
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b2spencerprincessdiana.htm
Pettinger, R. (n.d.). Princess Diana Short Biography. Retrieved January 16, 2010, from
Bibliography Online: http://www.biographyonline.net/people/short-bio-princessdiana.html
Princess diana charity work. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2010, from Bibliography
Online: http://www.biographyonline.net/people/diana/charity_work.html
Selvon, M. (2008, September 3). Princess diana charity work has not been forgotten .
Retrieved January 16, 2010, from Enzine Articles:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Princess-Diana-Charity-Work-Has-Not-BeenForgotten&id=1465807