Please answer each section in separate Parts. Part 1, Part 2

The Book of Nehemiah (any version) – though the English Standard Version is very accessible.

Part 1: Nehemiah’s Leadership

Nehemiah was one of the great leaders in the Bible. Not only was he responsible for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, but he also exercised religious and moral control and brought reform to the Jewish people. After reading the biblical account of Nehemiah’s leadership this week and watching Skip Hetzig’s examination of Nehemiah 1:13, spend some time looking online for articles about his leadership traits. Then, drawing on these assigned readings and the six traits of leadership described in chapter 2, discuss what you think were Nehemiah’s greatest strengths as a leader.

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  • Do you think Nehemiah had any weak traits? If so, what weaknesses did you see in the biblical account of his time as a leader? If not, why not?

Rely on your assigned readings this week and make sure to cite any sources you use including our course materials.

Part 2: Recognizing Leadership Traits

Each of us has already encountered leaders in a variety of circumstances in our lives. Some of those leaders have had a profound impact on our personal lives or our career formation. Some have demonstrated traits that would align with what we would consider effective leadership. Conversely, many of us have had a negative experience with leaders. These leaders acted or responded to situations in ways that didn’t reflect good leadership practices. Drawing on our assigned readings this week and the six traits of leadership found in chapter 2, describe a leader you know, who in your view, demonstrates positive leadership traits and would be considered a strong and effective or good leader.

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  • How would you describe their leadership attributes, traits, and strengths?

Next, describe a leader you know, who is in your view, a weak and ineffective or poor leader? 

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  • What do you think contributed to their ineffectiveness?