The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 28

NEHEMIAH: MANAGING PROJECTS

READ: Nehemiah 4:1–14

You won’t find formal principles of project management listed step by step in the Scriptures. But we can clearly see the process at work as Nehemiah manages an extremely complex feat of civil engineering and social organization. While not project management certified, he clearly has the God-given abilities and spiritual enablement to accomplish his mission—and to do it in record time. Leaders must manage (though not micro-manage) their projects, adapting plans to meet new situations, surmount physical barriers, and overcome human opposition. Today’s professional project management process identifies a sequence of five basic activities: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. While serving as a senior line officer and then as a chaplain, I helped my direct lieutenants develop skills in these areas. Especially at mid-level ranks, military leadership requires the ability to manage projects and coordinate team efforts. The earlier you practice these skills, the better you are positioned for greater responsibilities.

What project manager skills do you seat work in our text? What steps might you take to improve your own stills at managing projects.