I like millions of others around world sat down last Monday evening to watch the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.  I am in no doubt that nobody does pomp & pageantry better than the Brits!

As I was watching the funeral unfold, I reflected on the thousands of words that have been written and said about the Queen since her passing on 8 September.  In those words, there was a recurring theme of dedicating her life to the service of her country and its people.

Such dedication was the Queen upholding a promise she made in a speech in 1947 on her 21^st birthday when she said:

“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

 In reflecting on this promise, there are three lessons we as business owners should seek to apply in our business and lives:

• Be clear about your purpose and make it the centre of your business + life
• When you promise something, deliver on that promise
• Be consistent about the messaging of your purpose and promise