Issue #25, February 17, 2010
In previous issues we examined how Nehemiah saw God’s vision for the people and how he took time to allow the vision to be shaped. Finally, we can learn from his example how to share the vision with others. Notice again how he communicated, “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” (Ne 2:17-18) What can we learn from Nehemiah about how to share the vision with others?
Identify the need.
“You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Nehemiah took time to clearly identify the need. This need should have been obvious to the people as they daily walked around the fallen stones that had once been a wall but they learned to see their environment as normal. What are people in your organization seeing as ‘normal’ that they should not accept? As leaders share vision they remind people of needs. What are the needs in your organization that will be met by the vision?
Commit yourself.
Notice what Nehemiah said, “You see the trouble we are in.” He didn’t say, “See the trouble you are in.” A good leader is always able to identify himself with the problem and commit himself to the appropriate action. Don’t call people to a work that you are not willing to do! Don’t lead people where you don’t feel that you also have a need. Make sure you use ‘we’ when you share the vision.
Call people to action.
Nehemiah boldly called people to action, “Come, let’s rebuild the wall…” This is risky! What if people don’t follow? There is risk involved in leading change, but one thing is sure: if you don’t call for action, there will be none! Servant leaders can boldly call people to action since they are confident that the vision has come from God and it is a part of His purposes for the people.
Motivate others.
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. What was Nehemiah doing when he said this? He was sharing a story that provided additional motivation for people to move forward. Leaders find ways to motivate followers to accomplish the vision by using pictures of the future that inspire or by sharing stories from the past (as Nehemiah did) which build confidence that the task is possible. Servant leaders provide this motivation, not to manipulate others, but to help them accomplish all that God wants them to do. The confidence of the leader inspires others to follow.
Communication of the vision is not a one time event but something that needs to be repeated continually. If you have previously communicated vision, it may be time for a repetition. Nearly all leaders under communicate vision and underestimate how crucial it is to keep a team moving forward. To see if you have done your job well, go to a relative newcomer in your organization and ask them if they know what the vision is.
Seeing, shaping and sharing vision is a key way that God uses you to accomplish His purposes through the people you lead. Lead on!
For further reflection and discussion:
- How effectively have I communicated vision in the past? What specific steps can I take this month to improve?
- What stories or examples can I use to make the vision come to life? Are there images or pictures that I can ‘paint’ that will stir people to action?
- Are there needs in my organization that we have accepted as ‘normal’ that God wants to change? If so, what are they?
- In what way have I personally demonstrated my own commitment to the vision in the last month? What can I do today that will model the vision?