Issue #24, February 3, 2010
In the last issue we looked at the characteristics of the vision Nehemiah saw for the people of Jerusalem. Now, let’s step back a moment to look at how this vision was shaped in the life of Nehemiah. Just prior to Nehemiah’s public announcement we find these insightful words, “The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.” (Nehemiah 2:16) Nehemiah wisely recognized that some things needed to happen before he shared the vision. Servant leaders carefully allow time to shape the vision before they share it publically. Let’s reflect on several questions to ask before sharing the vision.
Do I have the vision?
Make sure that you internalize and process the vision before communicating it. Has it consumed you? Do you think about it when you lie down at night? Are you ready to pay the price? If not, you may need to take more time to think, pray and allow the vision to develop deep inside of you.
Have people “bought” into me?
Before you communicate the vision make sure that the people are ready to follow you as a leader. Do they trust your heart? Do they have confidence in your ability to lead? If you are a new leader, this may take some time. If you have previously failed in leadership, it will take time to rebuild people’s trust in you. Don’t try to move forward until people trust you.
Have I identified my influencers?
This may be a core team of leaders, your board, or others in the organization that are essential for the vision to move forward. Who are the persons that must embrace the vision if it will happen? They may also help you to shape the vision and they should be involved before all the rest.
Are my people ready?
How ready are the majority of the people for the vision? Are they open to change or resistant? It is important that you as a leader recognize where they are at. If you correctly ‘read’ their position, it will guide the way you communicate as well as the timing of your communication. If they are reluctant to change, you may need to lay more groundwork before moving ahead. If they are eager for change, you can move much more quickly.
Is my vision clear and easily communicated?
Make sure the vision is very clear before you communicate it to others. Take time to write it down and edit it carefully omitting any unnecessary words.
Is my plan ready?
Nehemiah took a few days in Jerusalem to examine the situation on site. He wanted to be sure that he know what needed to be done and what resources would be required to finish the task. He was formulating the plan. Make sure that before sharing the vision, you know at least the first few steps that will need to be taken by people to accomplish the vision. Some of the specifics Nehemiah would reveal after the work began but he didn’t share the vision until he was able to share the first steps.
Servant leaders do not force people to accept a vision and are not driven by personal ambition; they are willing to take the time necessary to shape the vision until the time is right to share it publicly. In our next issue we’ll look at how to do that. Until then look at the questions below for reflection and discussion.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Take some time to work through the questions above. It will be helpful to write down your answers to each of them and to discuss your thoughts with key people on your team.
- Have you experienced a time when you, or another leader, went public with a vision before it was properly shaped? What was the result and what can you learn from that experience?
- How does the readiness of followers shape the timing and manner of communication of the vision?