Say Right Words @ Right Time

John Maxwell's 25 Ways to Win With People:
7. Say the Right Words at Right Time - Mordecai to Esther
(Esther 4:13-14)

Mike's Thoughts:
This event documented in the book of Esther was an incredibly stressful,
life or death situation for the ancient Jews. Mordecai, a leader, came to
Queen Esther, a leader, with words of wisdom concerning the events about
to unfold. Esther was motivated by Mordecai's words to take immediate
action, yet in a calm and well-thought out manner that would bring about the
most favorable response from her King Ahasuerus. This is an amazing story of leaders working together to achieve a positive outcome, even though
great risk was involved. Modern leaders could learn much from studying
this story. Let's look at what had to happen for these events to transpire and
progress to a happy ending:
a- Mordecai, as a leader in his own right, had to have a good
relationship with Esther in order to feel comfortable going to her
with his words of wisdom.
b- Esther, a leader and queen, had to have respect for another leader,
Mordecai and the proper character to listen to and receive the
message from him.
c- Esther, upon realization of the magnitude of the tragedy about to
occur, did not panic. Instead, she devised a well-thought out
strategy to appeal to King Ahasuerus and solicit a favorable
response.
d- Then Esther implemented her plan and did not deviate when
tempted to do so.
e- King Ahasuerus must have had great respect for Esther when she
broke protocol to seek an audience with him.
f- King Ahasuerus also had the character to listen to Esther and
take swift, appropriate action to derail the impending tradedy.
To me, the bottom line of this story is all about relationships. It is evident
that Mordecai worked hard at having a good relationship with Queen Esther
and she respected his leadership. Queen Esther also had worked diligently
at accomplishing an excellent relationship with King Ahasuerus and he
obviously had much respect for her as he was willing to give her half his
kingdom if she just asked for it.

Mike's Action Points:
1- I need to read the book of Esther and pay particular attention to the
relationships between the leaders.
2- I need to pray about my relationships with other leaders and ask for
discernment and wisdom in those relationships.
3- I need to work to form good relationships with other leaders.
4- I need to respect and listen to other leaders who are sharing with
me because I never know when they are "saying the right words
at the right time".