Lessons from an unexpected leader

Cast your mind to someone you admire as a leader. What traits do they have? They may be a great public speaker, have charisma or a great strategic brain. Leadership is one of the most popular topics covered in psychology, business courses and organisational strategy. There is no end to articles that outline what good leadership is and what it is not, as well as what inspirational leadership looks like (Harvard Business Review is always a good place to start, if you'd like to delve deeper).

Personally, I look up to leaders who have integrity and are courageous. Having what it takes to take a risk, to do the right thing when all the odds are stacked up against you, or to keep going in the right direction even when it is the unpopular choice. I admire leaders who are able to move a crowd to action through powerful (and genuine) words. Most of the time, they are not famous, but people I come across in everyday life.

Looking at the bible, examples of good leaders that may come to mind include Moses, David, Paul, Deborah or Joseph. However today, we look to an unusual place for some lessons which in my view, are very applicable to successful leadership. This is from the story of Abigail. As a recap (1 Samuel 25), this is where David and his men showed great kindness to Nabal's men by protecting them and their flock whilst out in the wilderness. Nabal then responds in a rude and contemptuous manner. Of course this does not go down well with David. He is furious, and prepares his men to attack Nabal and his men. In a situation were tensions were escalating and could have led to dire consequences, Abigail (Nabal's wife) acted quickly and wisely to diffuse the situation, saving her family and people. Here are three leadership lessons from Abigail, in times of crisis:

Be approachable

There was trouble looming, the servants came to Abigail and asked her to do something (1 Samuel 25:14-17). They seemed to know that she was a good listener, and the servants trusted that she would be able to take action. As a leader, it is important that you are able to relate well with people at all levels. Quite often, it is those at the lower end of the hierarchy that have first hand information as to what is really going on. Do not value some people more than others based on their roles or titles. Learn to relate well with all staff. Getting information in real time about what is not going well, allows you to assess the situation and take action before things escalate. This is what Abigail did.

Act wisely

When Abigail found out what her husband Nabal had done, there were so many reactions she could have had. She could have started an argument with her husband over his behaviour and unwise decisions. She could have corrected him in love, or she could have gathered her friends and bemoaned how life as they knew it was about to be over.

Abigail courageously chose in the moment to quickly gather bread, wine, sheep and several other items in large quantities to meet David (1 Samuel 25:18-19). She chose kindness. I'm sure in the moment she had her doubts as to whether this would work. As she later pleaded with David, it could have gone either way. And yet she did not waste time in making her decision and moving forward with it. There are critical times in leadership when a decision needs to be made, and made quickly. In that moment, you may not have all the information to hand, but you need to pick a path. Delay may cause the situation to worsen. Often times you may need to persuade others that this is the path the team needs to follow. Be honest in explaining why a certain decision has been made. When things do not exactly go to plan, lessons can be learned. Do not be held back in fear. Move forward in God's discernment and wisdom.

Choose your words carefully

Abigail approached David in humility. She started by pleading that David disregard Nabal's actions as foolish (as is his name). She highlighted the negative consequences of David's plans, should he go ahead with them. Abigail had an awareness of the bigger picture, and reminded David of all that God had done in his life; how the Lord was with him and fighting for him, and how God had brought him to success despite men's plots against him. She proclaimed God's promises over David coming to pass, and the blessings that would come his way because he did not choose revenge but left it to the Lord (1 Samuel 25:23-33). David was not only convinced to retreat, but was also impressed by Abigail's wisdom and discernment (so much so that he later marries her, but that is another story!).

There is power in words. As a leader your words carry weight and has more impact than you may realize. The way a message is delivered can cause more fear and panic, fuel an already heated situation, or calm things down and galvanize those around you to action. It is important that words are chosen carefully, especially in critical moments as this can literally change hearts of individuals, and shift a dire situation to a more hopeful one.

We do not know whether Abigail had faced similar situations in the past, or whether she was mentally prepared to deal with such a challenge knowing her husband. But she got the information, acted quickly and wisely, and spoke with discernment. In all, no matter what situation you come across, and how difficult it may seem, do not be discouraged. Step forward and know that God is with you, acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your path.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)