Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel (and later wife to King David) was a great example of a resourceful businesswoman. In I Samuel 25 we are introduced to Abigail and her husband Nabal, they were very wealthy land owners. We find that Abigail is described as an “intelligent and beautiful woman”, Nabal is described as “surly and mean in his dealings.” (I Samuel 25:3)

David had gone to the Desert of Maon to mourn the death of the prophet Samuel. While in Maon David heard of Nabal and wanted to establish a working relationship with him. David sent ten of his men to see Nabal to make business arrangements based on the services David and his men provided for Nabal.

Nabal being ignorant and rude did not receive these men with diplomacy or consideration, he sent them away empty handed. This angered David and with two-hundred of his valiant men set to go back and confront Nabal.

One of the servants of Abigail overheard the encounter between Nabal and the men of David and told Abigail all that transpired. She had at least two things working for her; she was in position of influence and she used her creativity and intellect to save her family and business from being ruined when Nabal refused to act with wisdom and diplomacy.

According to the Bible his name aptly described his character, he was a fool! There’s a lot in a name.

Nevertheless, Abigail understood the long-term impact of his decision and the severity of the situation that they were facing. So, she implemented a conflict resolution plan that would transform the negative cash flow into a profitable one.

Abigail, an astute leader exhibited the following core competencies of good leadership:

*She was industrious upon hearing how Nabal had badly treated the men sent by David; she quickly put a recovery plan to avert disaster to her family assets. (I Samuel 25:19-20)

*She was able to think on her feet, showing how organized and quick-witted she was to get her house moving to prepare to offer a gift fit for a king. She loaded her goods and went to negotiate with David face to face. (I Samuel 25:18)

*She was fearless and willing to take risk to become the change agent in this situation.

*She was a women of responsiveness to see the conflict and design a plan to negotiate, mediate and reconcile for the survival of her home and lifestyle. (I Samuel 25:24-30)

*She was equipped to work out the situation and influence the end-game with David, walking away from a lose-lose situation to a win-win outcome. (I Samuel 25:30-35)

*She was a woman of character, integrity and humility (I Samuel 25:27-28)

Abigail displayed the following attributes often listed among qualified leaders:

*Asking questions instead of giving orders. She learned to listen. (I Samuel 25:23-24)

*Foster and facilitates the dignity of others (I Samuel 25:23-24)

*Valuing the cooperation of others and seeking to reward actions of others with incentives. (I Samuel 25:14-16)

*Leading and using persuasion instead of manipulating or bullying your way. (I Samuel 25:30-31)

*Choosing to go along beside others instead of lording over others. (I Samuel 25:28)

Abigail understood her husband, grasped the intensity of the moment, the failure of her husband to act and the need to offset his shortsightedness and lack of hospitality by applying efficiency, benevolence, hard work, skill and fearlessness.

She demonstrated the attitude of an empowered woman, who was willing to take a risk to change things around for good.

Kudos to Abigail as a model of leadership with poise, passion and presence!

Pamela J Hudson, Leadership Coach

ACMS-Coaching Services

*