Donald Campbell identified 21 principles of effective leadership that Nehemiah demonstrated in chapter 2.
- He established a reasonable and attainable goal
- He had a sense of mission
- He was willing to get involved
- He rearranged his priorities in order to accomplish his goal
- He patiently waited for God’s timing
- He showed respect to his superior
- He prayed at crucial times
- He made his request with tact and graciousness
- He was well prepared and thought of his needs in advance
- He went through proper channels
- He took time (three days) to rest, pray, and plan
- He investigated the situation firsthand
- He informed others only after he knew the size of the problem
- He identified himself as one with the people
- He set before them a reasonable and attainable goal
- He assured them God was in the project
- He displayed self-confidence in facing obstacles
- He displayed God’s confidence in facing obstacles
- He did not argue with opponents
- He was not discouraged by opposition
- He courageously used the authority of his position.
Donald K. Campbell, Nehemiah: Man in Charge, p. 23.