Issue #200, February 8, 2017
Every leader has a vision for the future but many visions fail because the leader shares them at the wrong time. Some share it too early before it is ready while others wait too long and the opportunity passes by. The best leaders, like Nehemiah, have a sense of timing that allows them to know when it’s time to share the vision. Nehemiah had a vision to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem and already had the king’s permission. He traveled several months to get there and I’m sure he was eager to begin right away. But he waited before sharing the vision until the time was right. I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. By night I went out, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. There was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. 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. 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.” (Nehemiah 2:11-18, portions).
It’s time to share vision when you perceive the need.
Until this time, Nehemiah’s vision was based only on verbal reports from Jerusalem. He needed a first-hand look at the wall to understand the need. He did this at night, not wanting a crowd before it was time to share the vision. He saw the rubble and the place where his horse could not get through. Servant leaders want to see the need clearly before they share the vision. They wait to share until they understand the challenge.
It’s time to share vision when you have passion for the need.
As Nehemiah looked at the situation, his passion for building the wall increased. Finally, it was burning in his heart and became his problem. He said, “You see the need we are in.” Servant leaders talk about problems “we have,” not problems “you have!” It’s time to share the vision when the problem belongs to you and you have passion for meeting the need. Servant leaders don’t share the vision until their heart is filled with passion.
It’s time to share vision when you have a plan to meet the need.
Before Nehemiah left the king, he had a general plan of action. But now as Nehemiah was guiding his horse through the rubble, the plan for building the wall was taking shape in his mind. How many people were needed? Where were the challenging locations? What obstacles would arise? He knew it was not time to share the vision before he had a clear plan. Servant leaders don’t share the vision until they are ready to call people to action.
It’s time to share vision when you have the people to meet the need.
Nehemiah looked carefully at the people. He took a very small group with him for the ride at night. But he also saw others and he knew they “would be doing the work.” But they did not yet know him and it was not time to share the vision before they trusted his heart. He knew relationships would make the vision become reality. When he shared his story and called for action, they were ready to follow. Servant leaders recognize that before they can ask people for a hand, they must reveal their heart. Then it’s time to share the vision.
Nehemiah took time to share his vision but did it well and the wall was built!
For further reflection and discussion:
- What was a significant vision I have shared in the past? Did I choose the timing to share the vision well? What was the result and what can I learn from that experience?
- What is the result if I share vision before I fully understand the problem? What can I do to make sure I am seeing the issue clearly?
- When is a time I shared a vision (or observed someone else) that did not work? Was the failure related in any way to incorrect timing in sharing the vision? If so, what would have improved the timing?
- What happens if I share vision before I am passionate about the problem?
- What is the result if the vision is shared before the plan of action is ready?
- How can I involve others in helping to shape the vision and still keep the timing right?
- Is there a vision emerging in my leadership right now? How can I apply the principles from Nehemiah to help find the right time to share this vision?