Leading Through Strong Community

So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its [height], for the people had the will to keep working. - Nehemiah 4:6

Many have written about the leadership principles contained in the Book of Nehemiah. including me, and why not? The man did his job well.

One of the clearest examples of his leadership is seen in the passionate diligence of those who actually did the work. The biblical record indicates that they "had the will to keep working" and did it wholeheartedly as a unit.

So what does that have to do with Nehemiah's leadership?

As a leader (and strategist), he allowed each member of the construction "team" to work in an area that held their greatest interest and concern (according to their passion), which included protection of their personal home and family.  Individual safety and security could only be ensured if the person working next to you also performed well and Nehemiah's "strategy" created the linkages that bound the unit together.

Community is often found in the areas of common interest we share, but it must also be enveloped in an overarching goal that is bigger than individual concerns. Good leaders see this, capture it, and communicate it for greater effectiveness and success.

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet. - Theodore Hesburgh