• Read Nehemiah 2.11-20

Any good manager will survey a situation before making decisions and plans. Because of the known opposition, Nehemiah's survey had to be done very carefully. It obviously was a very discouraging trip around the city due to the completeness of the devastation, yet there is no hint that he wanted to give up.

1. Paying Attention to Details — Nehemiah 2.11-16
   1. What aspects of Nehemiah's character are revealed in these verses? (Hint: Donald Campbell, in Nehemiah: Man in Charge [p.23], lists 21 Characteristics for Effective Leadership as seen describing Nehemiah in this passage.)
   2. How does one develop these characteristics in his or her life?
2. Presenting the Details…and the Invitation to Help — Nehemiah 2.17-18
   1. What was the inspiration for people to join him?
3. Pushing Out the Despisers — Nehemiah 2.19-20
   1. How did he deal with the mocking and criticism that came from his enemies?
   2. What do we need to learn from his practices in this area?