"We’ve read the story of Queen Esther and how beautiful she was, but how many of us truly appreciate the amazing leader she was? If we could all take a leaf out of her book on leadership, the world would truly be a better place. Patience, wisdom & calm - let’s see how she put these to practice and earned justice."
by Shobana Chandran
The Feast of Purim, is a well-known Jewish festival that is celebrated as a reminder to the Jews of their victory over an evil scheme during the reign of King Ahaseurus (during the 4th century BC).
And the heroine behind this victory was the beautiful Queen Esther.
Queen Esther was a woman who was a vital instrument in saving the fate of her people in a foreign land. Queen Esther, although predominantly known for her beauty in many writings, is usually referred to as the woman who saved her people from destruction, through her action in convincing the King to stop the plot against killing them.
What often gets lost in translation is her quality as a leader during that crucial period.
Leadership is not only a ‘today’ appointment
Before we look into some of the decisions Queen Esther made, let’s first see how she came into a position of power.
Due to a dispute that took place in the palace, the royal officials hosted a beauty contest to pick the King a suitable Queen (it was a practice, then, for the King to have several wives).
And it was during this competition that Esther was chosen as the King’s queen. What merely seemed like an event to showcase Esther’s beauty, turned out to be a platform for Esther to someday shine as an instrument of influence.
In our appointment today, a particular task or job may seem like a result of our current achievements or contributions.
What we, as leaders need to know is, today’s appointment is not just for today, but also for the days that follow. It is crucial for leaders to always have a ‘forward-thinking’ approach in whatever we do.
"When the right leader and the right moment come together, incredible things happen. " - John C Maxwell -
Leadership means making the right decision at the right time
John C Maxwell, a well renowned leadership writer, said that when the right leader and the right moment come together, incredible things happen.
During Esther’s reign as queen, there came a time where a group of influential people in the palace were plotting against the Jews. Plans were being made to execute the Jews in the land.
Esther, did not react, instead, chose to remain calm and instructed her people to do likewise.
Esther’s reaction and response to a threatening situation seems illogical. But here, Esther teaches us, leaders, on the importance of our response to situations.
No matter how threatening or alarming a situation may be, it is important for us as leaders to remain calm.
"Decisions made in the height of emotions could lead to terrible consequences."
On the contrary, decisions made in a calm state of mind, will usually be the right decision at the right time.
Often, we as leaders act on our emotions to prove a point, not realising that a split second of calmness could result in a world of difference to the consequence of the decision made.
Leadership is a particular calling of making the right decisions for the purpose of making a difference.
Leadership means leading courageously and standing up for what is right
Esther waited for three days.
On one hand, the antagonist in the story, Haman, was plotting to kill the Jews.
He was poisoning the mind of the King to release decrees that were against the Jews.
Should Esther have chosen that moment to react, it may have jeopardised her state in the palace as well as the lives of her fellow people in that foreign land.
After three days of waiting, Esther courageously entered the presence of the King to see him. In those days, no one was allowed into the presence of a King without being called for.
Anyone who entered the King’s presence without his permission (including the queen) will be put to death.
Here, Esther courageously pursues her mission at that moment.
Esther walked in and invited the King for a meal. The strange thing is she invited Haman as well. She did this two nights in a row.
On the second night, Esther informed the King of the injustice that was taking place towards her and her people.
The King, in return, was shocked and demanded further explanation. Esther courageously, having Haman around, explained to the King regarding the malicious plots that were taking place.
The King immediately ordered for Haman to be punished for working against the Jews. What seems like a straightforward strategy on Esther’s part, in retrospect, demanded a lot of courage and the correct state of mind!
Esther knew that her life would be in danger should the King choose to take Haman’s side.
But, for the sake of truth and justice, she put her life on the line. She knew her people were being treated unfairly and she spoke for justice – even if it was going to cost her life!
As leaders in today’s world, we see injustice taking place everywhere. Yes, there is a moment to speak the truth and to stand up for justice. But it is important as leaders, that we evaluate the situation and act at the right time.
As leaders we need to remember to always stand by what is right, even if it is going to cost our position, and more importantly, to do it at the right time!
Leadership means serving the greater purpose
Esther could have chosen to remain on the safe side by allowing injustice to continue. She could have safe-guarded her secure position in the palace and prioritised her future over the lives of the Jews in that land instead.
But she did otherwise.
She risked her life for the sake of her people and for the sake of justice, which was the greater purpose.
"Leadership will always bring us to crossroads where our choice of action would either serve a greater purpose or secure our current position. "
It is in that turning point that our leadership qualities will surface and shine through. As leaders, we not only serve to achieve a common objective but to also set an example in character.
Esther had been the personification of the ultimate leader and set the right example which is referred to until this day and age. Her legacy in the book of leadership was that of a courageous leader that put her life at risk to save her people.
"Something we need to ask ourselves today is “What legacy do we want to leave behind in our book of leadership?”
By Shobana Chandran
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