Christian Leadership Alliance

Dealing with Difficult People

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What We Wish CEOs Knew and Practiced About the Ministry of Management

Lessons from Nehemiah and a CMA Member Survey!
Karen Y. Wilson-Starks | Outcomes, Jan/Feb 2006

Nehemiah was uniquely called and prepared by God to revive his people from the ash heap of Babylonian exile to the Promised Land of a renewed relationship with God. When Nehemiah was commissioned for this CEO role, he was serving as cupbearer to Artaxerxes, King of Babylon.

Because of God's favor, King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah permission to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that was in ruins and whose gates had been burned with fire. Although Nehemiah was a government official and manager, and not a prophet, priest, or king, God used him to minister to his people.

Who is this new type of Moses that God is calling to minister to His people?  He is calling organization leaders, CEOs, who have first submitted themselves to God, his Word, and his direction. Through such leaders, God is expanding his kingdom and deploying his laborers to the fields now white unto harvest.

Like Queen Esther, all members of his royal priesthood, all Christians, have been placed in their jobs and roles for such a time as this. If you are a Christian, regardless of your work setting, you have a divine kingdom mission to be salt and light and a city set on a hill.

The CMA Survey on CEOs—and How CEOs Should Respond to God's Call

In a recent informal survey of CMA members, respondents were asked to rank the importance of a number of CEO leadership and management activities, to identify CEO actions that most minister to them, and to talk about CEO behaviors that most annoy them.

The results of the survey completed by 106 CMA members are reflected in the selection and ordering of the core leadership tasks and other points addressed in this article.

CEOs Must Understand 7 Core Leadership Tasks

Here are seven core leadership tasks that CMA members indicated CEOs must understand and practice:

1. Set and clearly articulate a compelling and exciting vision that inspires commitment
2. Set and communicate realistic and challenging strategic goals/expectations that lead to excellent results
3. Walk in integrity—do what you say you will do
4. Effectively use and deploy talent
5. Treat staff and others as valuable team members—regularly access and use their views and input
6. Show appreciation for the contributions of staff and others
7. Demonstrate compassion and caring

CEOs Must Set Direction

After privately surveying the condition of the wall, Nehemiah laid out the details of the ruinous situation and shared a vision of rebuilding with all of the people (Nehemiah 2:17, 20). He inspired them by reminding them of God's graciousness to him before the King (Nehemiah 4:14).