Managing the Nehemiah Way Essay Example

their minds in order to understand His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2 KJV). Even secular sources acknowledge that decision making is more effective with accurate counsel (Williams, p. 153). Thus, for managers to be effective leaders, they need to pray in order to discern the Lord's leading.

Principle 3: Leaders Need to have a Plan for Their Problems Additionally, Managers should have a plan for their problems as they develop in the workplace. When called upon by the king, Nehemiah requests “that thou wouldest send me unto Judah… that I may build it” and gives a detailed plan for the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:5-8 KJV). Nehemiah had a vision that he could execute. Since leadership is defined as “the process of influencing others to achieve group or organizational goals,” it is essential to have a vision to carry out (Williams, p. 50). Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” To avoid the pitfall of problems, managers should develop solutions to the problems in their workplace.

Principle 4: Leaders Need to Honor Authority No matter what the workplace environment, leaders should honor their authority. Nehemiah displays honor to his authority in the way he presents his request saying, “If it please the king…that thou wouldest send me unto Judah,” and humbly entreats the king to allow him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:5 KJV).

Continuing this idea, the apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority, whether it is to the king or to governors who are appointed for punishing wrongdoers (I Peter 2:13 KJV). From a secular perspective, accepting authority is crucial for maintaining smooth operations in an

organization (Williams, p. 54). Even though many authorities today may not align with godly principles, God's command remains unchanged - that through righteous actions, we can silence the ignorance of foolish individuals (I Peter 1:15 KJV).

It is important to honor authority in the workplace for smooth operations and a good Christian testimony. In Nehemiah 2:17-18, Nehemiah presents the problem of Jerusalem's destructive state and promotes his plan, saying, "Let us rise up and build." Managers should declare their destination and purpose to inspire others to complete a job (Williams, p. 224). No worker wants to follow leaders without direction (Matthew 15:14 KJV). Managers should present their plans in a way that motivates people to change and be part of the solution. To ensure employees follow the promoted plan, managers should lead by example. Statistics show that employees are less likely to behave ethically when management is unethical (Williams, p. 115). Nehemiah sets an example by giving back the people's land and addressing the issue of dishonest usury (Nehemiah 5:11-12 KJV).

Matthew 5:16 emphasizes the importance of demonstrating good behavior by stating, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works." Therefore, leading by example is achievable through maintaining proper ethics. Principle 7: Leaders Need to Sustain a Competent Workforce stresses the significance of having a capable workforce for Christian managers today. Nehemiah, while constructing the Jerusalem wall, assigned skilled workers to their respective areas of expertise (Nehemiah 3). This enabled Nehemiah to establish an efficient organizational structure (Williams, p 457) by placing workers in roles suited to their skills.

It is crucial to bring honest individuals together in order to enhance the

workforce, as stated in the proverb "Iron sharpeneth iron" (Prov. 27:17 KJV). Modern managers should therefore ensure that competent individuals are placed in suitable roles. Principle 8 emphasizes the importance of leaders effectively handling adversity, recognizing that no matter how diligently they strive to build a capable workforce, Christian managers will inevitably encounter opposition, particularly when they uphold their principles. Consequently, when faced with challenges, it is imperative for managers to respond appropriately.

Nehemiah demonstrates an honorable approach to handling adversity in Nehemiah 6:8-9 when he confronts his adversary Sanballat. Prior to this, Sanballat had been spreading false accusations about him, but Nehemiah counters these lies with the truth. Ephesians 4:25 advises us to abstain from falsehood and speak honestly. The truth will always expose a falsehood for what it truly is. When faced with opposition, it is crucial to attempt to change their perspective cautiously (Williams, p. 222) and counter it with the truth, in order to prevent others from joining their cause. Given the presence of sin in today's workplace, there will be colleagues and superiors who seek to undermine the righteous. Therefore, it is vital to keep accurate documentation, have witnesses in sticky situations, and strive to live beyond reproach in order to ensure that truth triumphs. Principle 9: Leaders must inspire and uplift their employees during both favorable and challenging times. In the midst of Israel's difficult rebuilding period, Nehemiah shifts the people's fearful perception of their enemies towards a positive focus on God.

He motivates them by telling them, "Do not be afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren" (Nehemiah 4:24 KJV). By

using the principle of motivation, which is defined as "the set of forces that... makes people persist in their efforts to accomplish a goal," Nehemiah motivated his workers to continue steadfastly. Hebrews 3:13 instructs us to "exhort one another daily" to maintain a steadfast purpose. Encouraging workers fosters a positive work environment and keeps them focused on the task at hand. Principle 10: Leaders Need to Educate Employees.

Education of the workforce can be seen in Nehemiah 8:1-6, where the law is read to the people in order to help them understand their responsibilities. A lack of cooperation in a workforce often occurs due to a lack of proper education (Williams, p. 222). To ensure that employees perform their duties effectively, managers should provide adequate education through training, seminars, and conferences. Educating employees about laws and procedures helps them follow instructions and achieve success (Joshua 1:8 KJV). When employees are aware of their responsibilities, they are more likely to fulfill them. Principle 11 emphasizes the need for leaders to give credit to those responsible. A good Christian manager acknowledges God's role in their work, as displayed by Nehemiah who had the people dedicate the wall and give glory to God when it was completed (Nehemiah 12:43 KJV). I Corinthians 10:31 encourages individuals to do everything for the glory of God. Therefore, managers should acknowledge and give credit to those who contribute to success.

According to Romans 13:7, it is important to give honor to those who deserve it. By acknowledging and giving credit to others, we create an environment where ideas thrive and success persists. Nehemiah provides excellent examples of effective, godly management in practice. Whether they

are Christian or secular, managers can greatly benefit by applying these principles to their current work settings. The Bible is the most reliable source of management techniques ever written, and it is crucial to draw upon its wisdom. Give the Nehemiah Way of management a try – it is proven to be effective!