As a young leader I remember thinking, “Why are there always problems to be solve? Can’t things just work right and people do what they’re supposed to?” Then as quickly as I thought that it hit me. If things went right and people did what they were supposed to why would you need a leader? A leader by very nature is someone who helps others get to where they NEED (not necessarily want) to be by leading through whatever obstacles may be in the way. I realized at that moment I had two choices, either I accepted that fact that leadership as a role is primarily solving problem or jump off the leadership bandwagon. Maybe as a leader you’ve thought, this is just too hard. Take courage, you are not alone. Anyone who has lead for a significant time has experienced this.
Nehemiah teaches us three great leadership lessons I think will help any leader. One – he didn’t do all the work himself! He used teams of people to rebuild the wall. He did two things all good leaders do. He cast vision and made the ask. Second, when (not if) he faced obstacles he didn’t complain he went into appropriate action. Here are just a few hurddles he faced: A plot to attack the people; Personal slander; and the leaders extorting the poor. Yet he let none of this deter him or the people from God’s vision for them. Third, he was not there for personal gain. In a time and culture where people aquired land and used their position for monetary gain he did not. If I had to sum up the three things I saw Nehemiah do, it would go like this. Leadership requires a: team, perserverence, and sacrifice.
So remember, if you’re facing a leadership obstacle you are in good company and don’t give up!
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