When the work in Jerusalem was finished, Nehemiah returned to King Artaxerxes. But from the very beginning he noticed and understood that he needed to appoint and train leaders to oversee the Jews in Jerusalem. He was not satisfied with a short-term victory. For long-term success, he had to empower others to lead. He had to pass on his strength and his authority to others. And that is what he did. And once he had done it, he felt that his work was done and returned to the king.
Nehemiah 13:13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
Throughout the entire story of Nehemiah, several essential leadership lessons can be observed. On a list of the 10 most important leadership principles, Nehemiah would serve as a model example for every single one.
- Leadership means influence (Neh 2:5-8, 16-18)
- Everything rises and falls on leadership (Neh 4:9-15)
- Leadership must be exercised by the few, service must be rendered by the many (Neh 5:1-7)
- Leadership means taking responsibility for every part of the project (Neh 6:1-14)
- The most important qualities of a leader are credibility and integrity (Neh 5:14-19)
- Leaders show tremendous faith in their people (Neh 3:1-32)
- Leaders can be trained (Neh 4:21-23)
- Great leaders communicate the vision effectively (Neh 2:17-18)
- Solving problems is the fastest way to become a leader (Neh 4:7-23)
- Great leaders are always supported by people (3:1-32, 13:13)
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