Page 3 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

Principles in Leadership I: Nehemiah
By Mark Patton

Chapter 1: Leadership Styles

Connect…

The title of our course emphasizes that the book of Nehemiah gives us a great example of the principles of
leadership that God desires in an individual. The success of any venture falls or rises on leadership. Here are
some famous sayings about leadership:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”- John
Quincy Adams

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people
to accomplish their goals.”

“The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no
limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders, and continually
develops them.”- John Maxwell

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”- John
Maxwell

So, as we launch into our study of Nehemiah, you will want to pay close attention to what God’s Word says
about leadership. Let’s dig in…

The Lesson ...

Introduction:

As you begin this study of Principles in Leadership, I will look extensively at those principles as found in the
book of Nehemiah. I will also call your attention to many other leadership books written on this subject that
pertain to the principles of leadership found in Nehemiah. Today, as never before, globalization is sweeping the
world. Modernity is causing the world to move faster and faster, “and we have reached a point where our very
understanding of change is changing.” With this fast-paced struggle, more and more people are crying out for
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change. This outcry brings people into uncharted waters, which present threats and opportunities. At times,
people refuse to change and choose to remain in survival mode. Writers on leadership teach that a leader must
challenge this Survival Channel, enlist change agents, and move people to the Thrive Channel. This brings me to
something called cross-cultural leadership learning that must take place.
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