by Keith Hamilton
Synopsis: Leadership is a much discussed topic, affecting every aspect of life. Leaders in the Lord’s church should look to Nehemiah as an example of what success can look like.
There are many great examples of leadership throughout the Bible with lessons to be learned from each. The Bible contains a wealth of information that can guide those who would be leaders. Volumes of material have been written about “Leadership.” A simple web search reveals how various organizations are consumed with the subject. Instructional videos and a multitude of professional seminars attest to the fact that every form of institution is seeking help in the subject area of leadership. Military, government, sports, education, business and even churches find themselves in dire need today of help in leadership. Many organizations face tough challenges because their top management group is unethical or very weak on ethics. The leadership crisis is real in our present world. What are we to do? Where can current leaders find guidance? What are the things that developing leaders need to learn?
As I have taught the book of Nehemiah, I have encouraged those who serve in a leadership capacity to pay special attention. Leaders today should look to Nehemiah as an example of what success can look like. Let us consider twelve things which Nehemiah did that contributed to his success. These principles remain relevant for leaders today.
We need to review the circumstances that brought Nehemiah into his leadership role to help us grasp just how successful he was. Seventy years after the destruction of Jerusalem, Cyrus the Great (King of Persia) allowed the first Israelites to return to Jerusalem. Under the guidance of Zerubbabel (the governor), Jeshua (the priest) and others, the first Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city (Ezra 1 & 2). After struggling for twenty-four years, the temple was finally completed. They initially began the work, then the project remained idle for fourteen years because of neglect. Finishing the temple required a strong rebuke by Haggai and other prophets of that time (Hag. 1:1-5). However, Jerusalem still lay in ruin.
Eighty years later, Artaxerxes I (King of Persia) allowed a second group of Israelites to return with Ezra as their leader (Ezra 7). Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and Ezra were good men and good leaders. Despite other notable accomplishments, they did not complete the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Thirteen years after Ezra returned, Nehemiah is visited by his brother, Hanani, from Judah. Nehemiah becomes despondent when he learned that Jerusalem still lay in ruins (1:2-4). For ninety-three years the leaders in Jerusalem had been unsuccessful in rebuilding the walls and the city.
Artaxerxes I allowed Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem, and in fifty-two days, he accomplished what his predecessors had failed to do over many years (6:15). Israel had good men for leaders, however, the work did not get done until Nehemiah arrived. What we see in the leadership of Nehemiah is the difference between a good leader and a great leader. Let us consider twelve things Nehemiah did that are attributes of an outstanding leader. In his example, we see the characteristics of a leader able to get things done “at the speed of light.”
The first response of Nehemiah, when he received the bad news about Jerusalem, was to pray (1:5-11) During his conversation with Artaxerxes I, Nehemiah prayed (2:2-4). Yes, in the middle of a conversation with the King, Nehemiah talked with God. Let that thought sink in for a moment. When confronted with the great challenge that lay before him, Nehemiah began with God. Elders and brethren would do well to follow this example when committing themselves to some challenging work.
After the King responded favorably to the request from Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to “build it,” Nehemiah then asked for letters of authority. Those letters would ensure the support Nehemiah would need from political leaders, both in Persia and Judea, along with access to the materials and resources essential to building the walls of the city (2:5-9).
Projects that do not have the support of top management are doomed to failure. For an endeavor to be successful (in either business, government, or the Lord’s church), leaders will show their support by delegating authority and providing necessary resources. Nehemiah’s wisdom is manifested with this request. Quick completion of a project is more readily assured when things get off to a good start.
Nehemiah did not run headlong into the stagnant situation in Jerusalem nor begin ordering people around. After three days of observation, Nehemiah realized that he needed a better grasp of the situation. He went by night to survey the conditions of the city walls and gates (2:11-15). While I was working for a Japanese company, we taught leaders the practice of “Genba Genbutsu,” i.e., “Go to where the problem is happening and see what is going on.” This practice prevents one from drawing incorrect conclusions. A good leader does not make decisions based on a superficial knee-jerk reaction. Leaders need to know what they are dealing with in a problem situation. That does not happen from behind a desk.
To complete a project as massive as the one Nehemiah was facing at Jerusalem necessitates a high level of coordination. Acquiring the necessary materials and having them delivered in such a timely fashion required critical organization skills. Planning the work, identifying the sequence of events, establishing and also setting priorities are skills possessed by effective leaders. This is true in business, spiritual activities, and in achieving personal productivity.
Trusting others to act as responsible stewards of assigned tasks is critical for any leader. Nehemiah assigned others to complete specific sections of Jerusalem’s walls (Neh. 3). While it is sometimes tempting to say, “If you want something done right, you must do it yourself,” this mindset doesn’t translate into collective endeavors. Nothing of great importance gets done without a “team” effort. I have witnessed managers get burned out because they failed to delegate and use the talents present on their team. On the other hand, I have seen groups that were totally dysfunctional because of an abdication of responsibility by their management. Abdication is not delegation. Nehemiah delegated work in a sensible and responsible manner.
Leaders make a serious mistake by not involving everyone. Based upon the earlier conversations recorded in Scripture, Nehemiah knew that he needed everyone on board. The people’s response is seen in their agreement, “Let us rise up and build” (2:18). Great leaders communicate expectations and gain “buy-in agreement” with others, resulting in a “let us” effort.
As an outstanding leader, Nehemiah did not ignore the danger posed by the enemies of Israel. Potential problems are a threat to the success of any project. A leader knows how to work with others to prevent problems from happening. Nehemiah stationed the people at the walls with their weapons (4:13-18). This show of force deterred aggression from Israel’s enemies, and helped prevent an attack. However, good leaders know that plans can fail and will have contingent plans in place. Some call these “Just in case” plans. Nehemiah’s back up (just in case) plan included having an alarm or trumpet (4:20) and remaining dressed even when sleeping (4:23).
Nehemiah was a tireless worker who made sure the people could see him (4:14). Instead of pushing from behind, he led others from the front, serving as an example of sacrifice and commitment (5:14-19). Christ is the supreme example of One who led by personal example; He calls us to follow in His steps (John 13:12-15; 1 Pet. 2:21).
Conflicts frequently occur when people collectively engage in some project. Nehemiah worked with the people to resolve a problem that was a source of contention (5:1-13). Managers who ignore genuine complaints can break down the unity of any team. Weak managers seek to avoid conflict. Good leaders recognize conflicts, confront the issues that exist, and work with others to find genuine solutions. They don’t stick their heads in the sand. They are not looking for compromises that will “make everyone happy.” Strong leaders know others will not always welcome their decisions. Having the courage to confront issues and help people resolve problems is a rare characteristic now days. Such leaders are needed in the church, the home, and in civic affairs (Josh. 24:15).
The political environment that exists in many organizations is worldly and ungodly. We understand how this happens in a carnal institution. Unfortunately, some play politics within a local church. Paul warned elders to be aware of this possibility (Acts 20:30). Good leaders are not naïve to the fact that there will be those who will do things to undermine their efforts. I used to encourage our team at work with these words, “Be wise as serpents but harmless as doves.” By that I meant for them to keep their eyes open to the fact that not everyone wants to help us be successful. It only takes one person, the right (i.e., wrong!) person, to undermine and destroy your efforts. Nehemiah had to be vigilant with the smooth attempts of his enemies to circumvent his efforts (6:1-2).
When the people completed the wall, Nehemiah called upon them to rejoice (8:9-10). Effective leaders take time to recognize the efforts of others when they are successful. They reflect on what has been accomplished. When engaged in an ongoing work effort, it is important to remind others where they have come from, where they are now, and where they are going. Recognizing successful accomplishments (even when the progress is incremental) allows people to have a sense of pride and ownership in their accomplishments.
Nehemiah began with prayer, asking God for help. When building the wall was finished, Nehemiah and the people thanked God (12:27-43). This is the best advice that I can give you: Any time you engage in some work, remember to begin with prayer and end with prayer.
Nehemiah is a great example of leadership for today. I encourage you to study through Nehemiah and identify additional characteristics of leadership he possessed.
