Page 111 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

Syncretism: A combination of two religions, as in Israel, when the worship of Yahweh, who had led them
through the wilderness, became infiltrated, according to the biblical narratives, with beliefs and practices of
the Canaanites, who worshipped Baal. The prophets sternly resisted such mixtures.

Appendix III

Good Leaders ask Great Questions

I will never forget a statement that was made when I was a young seminary student. My professor said
everyone knows something that I do not know; therefore, all people are my teachers. I must ask them
questions to discover what it is that they know that I do not know. This is the reason why questions are so
important. This is why we need to curb our egos and learn to ask questions, even at the risk of looking foolish.
“Successful leaders relentlessly ask questions and have an incurable desire to pick the brains of the people they
meet.” 233

John Maxwell offers the following questions to ask during the meetings you may have.
What are the great lessons you have learned? By asking this question, I seek their wisdom.
What are you learning now? This question allows me to benefit from their passion.
How has failure shaped your life? This question gives insight into their attitude.
Who do you know whom I should know? This allows me to engage with their network.
What have you read that I should read? This question directs my personal growth.
What have you done that I should do? This helps me seek new experiences.
How can I add value to your life? This shows my gratitude and desire to add value to them.

Maxwell goes on to say, “Quality questions create a quality life… The future belongs to the curious. The ones
who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it, and turn it inside out.” 234 Remember that a good
leader asks great questions that inspire others to dream more, think more, learn more, do more, and become
more. Nehemiah was such a leader, and he asked great questions.

Appendix IV

It Takes Teamwork to Make the Dream Work

This leadership proverb is one of my favorite leadership epigrams. We must realize that alignment in our
purposes is vital to achieving our goals. For example, if one person in the boat below is out of sync with the
entire rowing team, then this boat will not achieve the success it would have had if everyone were aligned.
Sharing a common goal, purpose, and strategy is vital to developing a winning team. How then can teamwork
make the dream work?

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