Issue #81, May 9, 2012
Leaders love to dream about projects and Nehemiah’s dream was worth dreaming about. But dreams alone don’t turn visions into walls. Visions require plans that chart the course and Nehemiah was a master planner. Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?" It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. I also said to him, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? (Nehemiah 2:6-7) Servant leaders learn from Nehemiah’s plan.
Planning provides action steps.
A completed wall was Nehemiah’s vision, but he wisely realized that to reach the vision many action steps would be needed, the first of which was getting permission from the king to leave his job. Beyond that Nehemiah needed physical materials, a security escort to Jerusalem, letters of authority, etc. And this was just the first phase of his plan. He would also have plans for the division of labor on the wall and plans to deal with the opposition which arose. Servant leaders are willing to do the hard work of developing a plan for the vision before they move into action. They may need to adjust the plan as the vision develops, but they begin with a plan that provides direction and measurable progress towards the vision.
Planning shows foresight.
Can you imagine Nehemiah answering the king, “Umm, I’m not sure how long it will take, I didn’t think about that”? When the king asked questions, Nehemiah already had his plan in place and was prepared to give a reasonable response. He had already looked ahead, not only at the final destination but at the steps needed to achieve the goal. He had answers to more questions than the king asked! Leaders are visionary and enjoy looking at the future destination. But they also realize that looking ahead means that they look not only at the destination but the process needed to get there. Leadership is not just seeing a wonderful world ahead but also seeing the challenges on the journey. Leaders anticipate obstacles, consider what can go wrong, and develop plans to work through these challenges. They think about how people will respond to the proposed changes. They develop at least a proposed timeframe for the vision to be accomplished. Servant leaders look ahead with God’s eyes to envision the future. In addition they also listen carefully to God and plan how to carry out the vision.
Planning complements faith.
Some leaders have vision but believe that planning indicates a lack of faith. They want to “trust God” to accomplish the vision. Other leaders sit down and plan with little consideration for hearing from God in the process. Servant leaders, like Nehemiah, recognize that faith and planning are not contradictory but complementary. Nehemiah had prayed and fasted. He had listened to God. But he also had plans ready to move forward. His planning was not an indication of lack of faith; rather it was an expression of his faith in the way God would work through him to accomplish the vision. God allowed Nehemiah to participate with Him in the planning process. Servant leaders work with God to receive the vision but also listen for how He wants the vision to be accomplished. Consider the words of Jesus, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28) Servant leaders sit down, count the costs and develop a plan that shows their faith in how the vision will be accomplished. It is critical that this is done before communicating the vision, the subject of our next issue.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Can I identify a tangible plan to reach my vision? Can I answer the following questions: How long will it take to reach the vision? What resources will be needed? How will I obtain those resources? What opposition is likely to be encountered? Are there different phases or stages to work towards the vision? If so, what comes first?
- Have I listened to God’s voice about the plan, or have I assumed that it’s entirely up to me to devise the plan?
- Do I naturally lean towards planning without involving God or having “faith” without planning? What has been the result? What do I need to change?