They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked. (Nehemiah 2:18–19)
Nehemiah knew that he and the people of Jerusalem were doing God’s work, and he was not going to listen to anyone actively opposed to what he knew was right. And furthermore, he did not intend to associate with those who would hinder what was obviously for God. He was determined to allow no one but God to stop the work. Nehemiah planted his feet firmly and held to his original position.
Part of the unwritten job requirements for every leader is the ability to handle criticism. That’s part of the leadership package. If you never get criticised, chances are you aren’t getting anything done. A wise leader will evaluate the opposition in light of the spirit and attitude in which criticism is given. He or she will also consider the voice to which the opposition listened. If your critics listen to God’s voice, you had better listen to them. But if they are marching to a different drumbeat, use the Nehemiah technique: “Look, they’re not even in the same camp. Let’s go right on.”
And you know something? Those stubborn men who opposed Nehemiah’s mission still didn’t leave. They dogged his steps through the entire project, until the last stone was set in place! When it was halfway finished, they taunted, “A little old fox could knock down that wall” (see Nehemiah 4:3). But remember, they were now outside the wall shouting over it.
This portion of Nehemiah’s story takes up very little space in the pages of Scripture, but look at the ground it covers! He arrived in Jerusalem a solitary man with the task of overcoming years of apathy and entrenched enemy resistance, not to mention the already daunting engineering challenge of rebuilding the wall. Leadership, unlike mere management, is all about constructive change. How he got this project started is a model for leaders who want to move their organisation toward more successful directions. His methods included astute observation, careful planning, appropriate timing, savvy motivation, effective communication, and unwavering dedication to a clear vision. Is it any wonder he succeeded?
Most importantly, Nehemiah never wandered far from his God, which prepared him to handle one of the greatest challenges to effective leadership: criticism.
