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Sometimes my male colleagues don't take me seriously. How can a woman be assertive at work without being offensive?
When given opportunity to lead, do it well.
Judges 4:4-15
Some women rarely have a chance to take charge at work. But an opportunity will come at some point—whether it's organizing Christmas decorations, arranging food for the company picnic, or plotting your company's next marketing campaign. Whether the leadership task is large or small, give it all you've got.
Deborah was already a respected leader of Israel. Then came a battle so fearsome that the military leader Barak refused to go without Deborah. She didn't say, "My job is to be a prophet and a judge. I don't do battles." Instead she marched to the head of the troops and took charge. She did not brush Barak away, but she offered him wise advice and told him the consequences of his actions. Then they did the job together. In the end, they sang a victory song—also together. (But people remember it as Deborah's song.)
As a working woman today, you can follow suit. Don't push male colleagues aside or try to make them look bad. Instead, when asked to take charge, don't hesitate to do so. Inspire confidence by being confident. Encourage people to work together. Afterwards, express appreciation to your coworkers. Deborah did. (See also Genesis 50:15-21; Isaiah 11:1-9; Ephesians 5:6-21.)
Good Words to Remember:
Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel. Judges 4:4
Today's Challenge:
How do you treat others when you take charge?
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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