Proverbs 31 as a professional woman - Part 23

Dear loyal readers, I trust you’re blessed and highly favoured.

Last week, we were introduced to success principle eight, which says that Proverbs 31 as a professional woman “doesn’t do it all on her own”.

I unpacked it with reference to Proverbs 31:15 (AMP), which says “she rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and assigns tasks to her maids”.

Meaning that the Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t do it all on her own. She knows her human limitations and acknowledges the need to seek help in the execution of various tasks and responsibilities. In part 22, I mentioned that: “For so many years, I had the misguided notion that the Proverbs 31 woman had no understanding of teamwork and that she was doing everything on her own. But the above translation broadened my understanding that brilliant people need help too”.

I shared that her understanding of teamwork is informed by the revelation of teamwork by the Holy Trinity during creation (see parts 5 and 22) as well as during Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry (see parts 13 and 22).

I concluded that: “The brilliance and success of Proverbs 31 as a professional woman is built on many facets, including the desire to work with others so that collective efforts will lead to collective success - to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)”.

But someone reading this is probably thinking the above examples seem perfect - give us more examples of teamwork in the Bible.

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah wanted to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and gates. This was not a fleshly desire, but one placed in his heart by God (Nehemiah 2:12). But instead of pursuing this goal on his own, he sought the king’s assistance and enlisted the help of those who held the same desire and shared vision.

Meaning that as a Godly leader, he understood that executing God’s vision requires God’s blessings and a Godly team as well (Nehemiah 2:18 and 20).

But a Godly team is not always guaranteed. In part 13, we discussed servant leadership and I mentioned that Proverbs 31 as a professional woman “knows that she might serve a dream team (like how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were to Daniel) or have a Judas Iscariot who might want to jeopardise a given project or assignment – but either way, she continues to trust the Lord to work it all out (Romans 8:28)”.

In part 13 I also shared that “servant leadership is likely to attract opposition (see the stories of Jesus Christ, Nehemiah and Apostle Paul), but it thrives through love, humility, courage, prayer, Godly counsel, favour with God and with people, wisdom from God and obedience to God to help you make the right decisions (see the book of Esther, Ruth and Daniel)”.

Meaning that for Proverbs 31 as a professional woman to thrive in a team dynamic, she understands that people are not perfect and that Godly assignments often attract opposition. So, she “understands the importance of asking the Lord to help her lead herself so that she can be equipped to lead others in various dynamics and submit to the leading of others as well” (part 13).

In addition to the above, I have come to learn that people process information differently and this has become quite a game-changer for me. Many conflicts arise when people overlook the small nuances hidden in how people process information. An introvert needs time to process information before they respond, whereas an extrovert solves problems as they think and speak. There are other people who just want historical facts or to know the impact on the bottom line before they decide. Others like to analyse data in fine detail before communicating their viewpoint.

Appreciating and understanding our communication differences in a team can also help us extend each other more grace and empathy. This can help a team to connect and succeed in a multi-dynamic way.

Shalom.



DISCLAIMER: 'Proverbs 31 as a Professional Woman' under the theme 'Embodying and Manifesting Godly Wisdom, Success Principles and Effortless Femininity in the Workplace' is not posited on trying to read the professional woman into Proverbs 31 because this will produce an absurd result. However, I have opted to take a principles-based approach, which widens the scope to be applicable to any professional woman – regardless of her age or status. This column has previous articles titled 'A New Season', 'Seeing God’s Glory Through My Tears' as well as 'Proverbs 31 as a Professional Woman' (the introduction as well as parts 1 to 22) – all published by Namibian Sun.

I welcome your comments, input, queries or concerns. Kindly address them to [email protected].