What Queen Esther Knew - Business Strategies from a Biblical Sage - Queen of Persia - Leader -- Heroine
"Ancient Wisdom: "Wait for people to take you under their wing." "Modern Truth: "Find someone's wing to grab onto."
This little book has been a favorite for awhile. Written by Connie Glasser and Barbara Smalley, the book follows the Biblical story of Esther, the Queen of Persia, Mordacai, her older cousin, King Ahasuerus of Persia and the villain, Haman who would like to destroy the Jews living in Persia and accumulate their wealth. This story is the basis for the Jewish celebration of Purim.
The authors make encouraging points regarding mentoring. The examples of people who mentored Esther throughout her childhood as an orphan, through the Persian palace as candidate to become Queen, then as a beloved Queen who demonstrated her depth of character and courage to foil the villain and save her own life and those of her people, the Jews living in the land.
There are many inspiring accounts of women who have also demonstrated courage and wisdom in their business lives, overcoming circumstances and business enemies successfully.
I don't know that there can be TOO many such accounts, but sometimes the comparison of the evil boss to the evil villain are a little thin. I have to say the authors are objective and even handed about having both men and women shown as problem bosses, supervisors, or even co-workers who will toss others under a bus.
My inspiration at first reading was connected to the description of mentoring. At that time I had been invited to mentor someone and felt that I was so very unqualified. When I was assigned a mentoring candidate, I was convinced of those non-qualifications. She was absolutely light years ahead of me in experience, education and skill. But, the book taught me that I didn't have to know more than she did; I needed to be encouraging and supportive. I added the commitment that if and when I did learn something that she didn't know, I wouldn't hide that from her.
At my second reading, as already written, I found the experiences a bit much for my taste. But, I've not had to compete in the bigger corporate world. I've needed to compete against myself and not had someone else trying to succeed while leaving boot tracks on my back. My spiritual voice has guided me away from worrying while whispering the wisdom that I needed to be me and the best that I could be - someone else was better, I could allow them to be better, this just wasn't that kind of competition. The quest was mine, not theirs. So, I need to bow in patience and respect for the efforts and struggles of others. To do that isn't so very difficult as I have regard for the authors and do not find any of the information contrived.
I found inspiration in Esther's grace and elegance, in a return to a favorite Bible story to view it with the eyes of a grown-up, looking for ways to apply the wisdom in my life, and in those same characteristics in the examples of brave, strong, leading women who didn't begin their lives or careers with an intention to be Queen. Women have been telling themselves that they should be careful not to appear aggressive - have equated aggressive with assertive - have been kind of yellow-bellied and in the way! It just doesn't work in today's world to be the shrinking violet damsel, who isn't responsible for anything, especially things that go wrong. Today's world is a shoulder to shoulder working world, showing true, deep honor, respect and civility for all, the mark of a true lady. Not always an easy goal, but the heroic one.
The authors selected Queen Esther as a heroine that 21st Century readers can relate too. Using Scripture, comment and the introduction of 21st Century heroines, the book "weaves together ancient wisdom and modern insights to provide inspiring, realistic, and above all, practical strategies to help you become the queen you deserve to be."
A small, pretty book that adds grace and elegance to your office with wisdom and information that embeds in your heart to go with you through the day. I'm glad I bought it and recommend it.
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