Thnk: More Like Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba, called Makeda, was a historical figure who ruled over the kingdom of Sheba, which is believed to have been located in modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen. The Queen of Sheba was known for her wisdom, wealth, and leadership skills. We can learn to make wise decisions, manage resources effectively, and lead with confidence by thinking like the Queen of Sheba. Additionally, she inspired creativity and innovation, and she was always curious and willing to explore new ideas. The story about her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem has been retold in various religious and cultural traditions, as she remains a symbol of power and intelligence.

Queen of Sheba got me thinking a lot about leadership and teamwork and why these two things are so valuable in my personal and professional lives. My mind goes back to my days playing softball as a pitcher. I had a role to play in leading the team on the field, yet I quickly learned that winning only comes through teamwork. As I have grown older, I have witnessed this same familiar theme: building communities of engaged and motivated people is how things get done. As an educator, I lead students in the classroom, yet it takes an engaged team to deliver a positive outcome.

Ways you can think more like Queen of Sheba:

Recognize the value of seeking knowledge and wisdom from diverse sources.

By seeking knowledge and understanding from diverse resources, we can gain a broader understanding of issues and develop critical thinking skills. This, in turn, can help us begin to think for ourselves. Additionally, if we challenge ourselves to be open and willing to listen to different perspectives, we can gain a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.

Be strategic and forward-thinking in your decision-making.

This involves analyzing the current situation, anticipating future outcomes, and making decisions accordingly. By adopting this approach, we can avoid reactive decision-making and instead proactively plan for the future.

Exhibit confidence and assertiveness in leadership.

We can take a moment to reflect on whatever the current task, circumstance, or issue is and create a clear vision for uncovering a resolution. By communicating the vision clearly and showing action was taken, it shows confidence. Additionally, actively listening to feedback and being open to constructive criticism can demonstrate our assertiveness. All of this can set a positive example for our team, which can lead to achieving goals efficiently, whether that be at home or in the workplace.

Demonstrate grace and poise in communication and interactions.

Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, actively listening, and curating a thoughtful response shows respect for another person’s perspective. If we can practice these actions when communicating with others, we can build positive relationships and achieve success in both personal and professional settings.

Maintain a strong sense of self and identity.

We have all heard the saying, “Stay true to your beliefs.” Maybe that’s easier said than done, especially today. First, we need to be aware of our values, beliefs, and goals. We can show our willingness to think for ourselves and discover these things by practicing self-reflection, engaging in activities that spark our interests or passions, and surrounding ourselves with those that support our journey.

Be open to new experiences and perspectives.

If we approach any new experience or perspective with an open mind, we may be more willing to listen and learn from others. By expanding our knowledge and challenging our beliefs, we might broaden our understanding of the world just a bit.

Prioritize the well-being and prosperity of one's community.

Naturally, we all want to feel like we belong to something, and communities are often created to make us feel that way. By prioritizing the well-being and prosperity of our communities, we can create a stronger sense of unity with the people around us. When the community seems more valuable to us, we are more likely to care for it and yearn for it to be vibrant and successful.

Exhibit generosity and hospitality.

We all want to feel welcomed when we walk into a new job, school, friend’s house, or community. It makes us feel loved and like we belong. We can practice generosity and hospitality by offering our time, hosting guests with open arms, or paying attention to the needs of others.

Quotes:

1. "The greatest wealth is wisdom; it cannot be stolen or lost."

2. "A wise ruler listens to the advice of others but ultimately makes their own decisions."

3. "True power lies in the ability to control oneself, not others."

4. "The value of a person lies not in their wealth or status, but in their character and actions."

5. "It is better to be respected than feared, for respect lasts longer."

6. "A leader who seeks only their own gain will ultimately lose the support of their people."

7. "One must always be willing to learn and grow, no matter how much knowledge they have already acquired."

8. "Honesty and integrity are the foundation of a successful and respected leader."

9. "A leader who is just and fair will earn the loyalty and devotion of their subjects."

10. "The true measure of a leader is not how much they accomplish, but how much they inspire others to achieve.”