The book of Nehemiah is a wonderful book on leadership and management. In this story, narrated by Nehemiah himself, you can discover practical methods of moving a dream forward in the midst of dimming optimism.
Nehemiah became aware of a need in the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was his ancestral home. He had never been there himself, but he was well aware of its history as the city of God.
Some of his countrymen had returned from Jerusalem and Nehemiah asked how things were there? The report was not good. “Things are not good; the wall of Jerusalem is still torn down, and the gates are burned” (Nehemiah 1:3).
This challenged Nehemiah’s spirit. After a time of prayer and consideration he made the decision to go to Jerusalem and lead in the rebuilding of the walls. How he got there is fascinating. I recommend you read the book.
Once there, he did three things leaders do when rallying people to a dream. We find this in the second chapter of his book. He said to the city leaders, “You know full well the tragedy of our city; it lies in ruins and its gates are burned. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and rid ourselves of this disgrace!” (2:17)
In this one simple statement Nehemiah models three things any leader must do to lead in dream fulfillment.
Define reality. The reality was the city was in ruins. The gates were burned. When rallying people to a dream you don’t sugarcoat the current reality. You tell it like it is. You clarify the starting point in all of its ugliness.
Cast a clear vision. He says to them, “Let us rebuild the wall.” He lets them know that it can be done. It can be done by them. He both casts vision and invites them into the process. It wasn’t, ‘I will do this, and you can help.’ It was we will do this together.
Provide the pay off. What would the payoff be for all the hard work? They will rid themselves of the disgrace of a collapsed, debris filled city. It will be a jewel again. It will be a force to be reckoned with.
What is the dream? Who are the people you need to engage in the dream fulfillment. Tell it like it is. Tell what it can be. Tell them what they will gain.