Nehemiah
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Nehemiah
Sonya Trapp
ID: 01018631
BUS 600 Foundations of Business
Carol Nissen
Bud Becker
Russ Sinkler
02/28/2009
Assignment 6.2
In the context of the 4-R Leadership model, Nehemiah was an exemplary servant leader. He had a very clear understanding of his relationship with God, himself, and the Jewish people. He acted in the capacity of a direction setter for the task of rebuilding the wall. He executed flawless strategies during the rebuilding process while keeping the people motivated to continue the work. In the end he achieved the goal and completed the wall in only fifty-two days.
The first “R” in the model is about relationships. Nehemiah had a progressive relationship with God from the beginning to the end of the wall rebuilding project. Upon learning that the Jewish people in his homeland were in state of vulnerability due to the destruction of the wall, Nehemiah began to pray. By doing so, he rendered an acknowledgment concerning his faltering relationship with God and the faltering relationship between God and the Jews. “We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which they commandedst thy servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:7 KJV).
Another example of relationships was evident in the kings willingness to allow Nehemiah to go re-build the wall and the letters to the governors of other lands. The king, even, sent horsemen to aid Nehemiah during his travels. This clearly establishes that Nehemiah had a formidable relationship with the king.
The second “R” is roles. What role did Nehemiah play? Nehemiah was the direction setter. He had the ability to conceptualize what needed to happen. “Servant- leaders seek to nurture their ability to dream great dreams” (Spears, 2000). The rebuilding of the wall was, indeed, a task not meant for those that were unable to “see the big picture”. It was a monumental undertaking. Obviously, none of the current inhabitants of Jerusalem had felt that they would be able to accomplish such a task, either alone or with the help of others. But, Nehemiah was able to “see” and, therefore, do. He realized that the wall needed to be reconstructed and was intent upon making it happen. However, he also realized that he would need much assistance from the people in order to complete the rebuilding. He was the one who encouraged the people. He set the objectives and acted as the “foreman” of the project. For him, it was a big dream, but the people helped to make the dream tangible.
The third “R” is responsibilities. Nehemiah had multiple responsibilities while rebuilding the wall. He implemented the strategic plan. Nehemiah did not need to solicit the help of the Jews. His presence and God empowered speech served as a catalyst for the strategic function. “Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the kings words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work” (Nehemiah 2:17). His dream was the strategic plan.
He kept the people motivated. In the fourth chapter, Sanballat was upset by Nehemiah and his mission to rebuild the wall. He let his negative feelings convert into words and “mocked the Jews” (Nehemiah 4:1). Nehemiah goes into prayer and says, “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half