Leadership Journal 1
Summary
Nehemiah clarified values for the people and acted as an exemplary role model. He clarified values such as vision, teamwork, care, and service through his actions. By portraying such values, he was able to act as an excellent role model. For instance, he showed the people of Jerusalem that one should respond to God's call. In the Bible, God has called numerous individuals, such as Nehemiah, to be leaders. Nehemiah chapter 2 versus 12 indicates that leaders must respond to God’s call to serve others (Carroll & Prickett, 2008) . Nehemiah understood that his service towards the people was part of God's plan. He listened to God, and this scenario showed individuals that one should heed to God's call.
The elements of educational philosophy incorporate perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, in addition to critical theory. Nehemiah exhibited perennialism, given that he focused on teaching the people of Jerusalem everlasting ideas. He taught individuals regarding God's scriptures, which can be regarded as everlasting. He exhibited the essentialism approach by transmitting God's message to the people of Jerusalem in an organized and disciplined manner. He also emphasized that the teachings should focus on the whole individual rather than on the content, and in this case, he exhibited the progressivism element. The critical theory element was showcased by the development of awareness regarding the importance of God's teachings.
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Reflection
I consider Nehemiah a great role model, and in this case, I believe emulating him would allow me to grow personally as a leader. In my view, a leader should be generous and, in this sense, focus on the needs of others rather than themselves. I believe I can be generous by donating to charities or sharing food with those who lack such a basic commodity.
Leadership Journal 2
Summary
Nehemiah protected the workers who bought into his vision by motivating them and looking after their wellbeing while they were rebuilding the wall. He had a vision that was shown to him by God, and it involved the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. The walls would protect the workers from the city’s enemies. In the process of rebuilding the walls, he made sure that the needs of the workers were met. For instance, he divided the workforce into segments and, in effect, protected the workers by ensuring that each group had a manageable workload. In addition, he failed to oppress the poor workers by collecting taxes from them. Such workers had been ravaged by famine and economic stress. In this case, failure to collect taxes was a means of relief. Moreover, he protected the wellbeing of the workers by rejecting land as payment. In this case, the workers could continue making use of their lands for economic gains.
Reflection
In the field of education, I believe an instructor can protect individuals who buy into their vision by ensuring that their rights are being met. As an aspiring future instructor, I believe I can protect my students by ensuring that their right to study in a safe environment is observed. For instance, I can ensure that the students are learning in a surrounding that is secure and does not pose any hazard to them. I can also ensure that they eat well and are being treated well by other individuals, including their parents and other students. If there is lack of action on the part of the parents, I can report the issue to the relevant authorities. In addition, if other students are threatening their counterpart, I can ensure that they are reprimanded, and corrective action is taken. In this case, I can grow as a servant leader in the field of education.
Leadership Journal 3
Summary
A key leadership strategy used by Nehemiah in eliminating barriers and making people act includes defining and communicating his vision given to him by God and delegating duties, and empowering workers. The vision was a clear and aspirational leadership strategy that painted the future of Jerusalem. God gave Nehemiah a clear vision, which involved the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, which had been destroyed by the city's enemies (Carroll & Prickett, 2008) . He clarified the vision to the workers and, in this case, solicited buy-in from them. He also delegated duties effectively by dividing the workers into groups. He believed that the work could be completed due to the ability placed in him by God. The workers adopted his vision and belief and were able to complete the wall in only fifty-two days. In effect, his leadership strategy removed any doubts which could have acted as barriers.
Reflection
The book of Nehemiah showcases the biblical worldview of leadership. I believe that a transformational leader should use their power and influence to address the tough situations they encounter. Nehemiah served as a high-ranking officer to king Artaxerxes and, in this case, was able to influence the latter's policies (Throntveit, 2012) . Transformational leaders should leverage their power to their advantage. In addition, they should attend to the needs of others, including their followers. When the follower is distressed, the transformational leader should ensure that they solve the issue affecting the follower. In this respect, the leader can show how much they care for the concerns of other individuals. In the education field, the biblical view of leadership has key practical applications. I can grow personally as a leader by showing transformational leadership in my interactions with their followers, typically students. I can attend to the needs of the latter and, in this case, ensure that they realize positive learning outcomes.
Leadership Journal 4
Summary
The teachings of the law read by Ezra promoted shared knowledge, social community, and strength. Ezra read the law in an open square in front of all men and women who could comprehend all the words (Throntveit, 2012) . In this scenario, he shared his knowledge of the book with them. Nehemiah and Ezra addressed all the questions posed by the audience. In addition, the law was read in the presence of men, women, and children who formed one large social gathering. The widespread attendance showed that the community members valued the social bond they shared as Jerusalem residents keen on improving their relationship with God. Ezra instructed the people that they should not grieve since the joy provided to them by God was their strength (Throntveit, 2012) . In this case, through his message, he assured the people that the Lord was on their side, and this scenario gave them strength.
Reflection
The teachings of the law by Ezra have practical leadership applications in the education sector. Leaders should attend to the needs of their followers, including addressing all the concerns they have. As an instructor, I can attend to the needs of the followers, especially students, by making sure that their needs are met. Moreover, I can ensure that I capture their full attention when reading or explaining laws to them. Essentially, I can make sure that the students are listening actively by asking for clarifications. Instructors can also observe the rules and, in this sense, set themselves apart as key role models. Resultantly, positive learning outcomes can be realized in the classroom setting.
Leadership Journal 5
Summary
The fundamental nature of personal contribution and celebration in the life of organizations is showcased by Nehemiah's personal contribution and celebration. Through personal contribution, the organization can realize high productivity and output. Nehemiah's personal contribution led to high productivity since many individuals volunteered in the reconstruction of the wall. The workers were willing to participate in the reconstruction, given that Nehemiah was willing to do the same. There was high productivity given that the workers were motivated by Nehemiah's vision. An output was realized since actual work being done. After 52 days, the city's walls had been completed due to Nehemiah's and the workers' input (Carroll & Prickett, 2008) . Celebration is also important given that it allows individuals to appreciate the effort they have put in, and as a result, it aids in recognition. In addition, there is increased satisfaction due to recognition. The workers felt highly satisfied with their efforts since they knew that they would be protected within the city's walls.
Reflection
Leaders should serve alongside their followers to ensure tasks are completed effectively. In addition, I believe that followers are likely to buy into the leader’s ideas if they see that the leader is making personal contributions. The personal contributions show that they are invested in the project or task at hand. Such commitment validates the followers’ belief that the task or project is important. I also believe that celebration is fundamental since it shows the followers that they are valued and appreciated. In effect, this scenario leads to an improvement in the self-esteem of the followers. I believe that improving my level of personal contribution to tasks can go a long way in ensuring that I am considered reliable. Moreover, celebrating others more can ensure that my counterparts feel valued and respected. Fundamentally, improving my capacity to contribute personally and celebrate others can promote my personal growth as a leader.
Leadership Journal 6
Summary
The specific dangers of leadership include personalizing failures, neglecting physical and spiritual wellbeing, pushing when there is a need for adaptation, and showing favoritism. I tend to personalize failure, and in a leadership position, the potential magnitude of failure is significantly increased due to the high expectations placed on me. In addition, I work had to ensure I meet the followers' leadership expectations, and as a result, I end up neglecting my personal well-being. The pressure to meet the followers' expectations leads me to continually push, yet what is needed is adaption. In effect, I end wasting considerable time resources. Moreover, my leadership position has caused me to favor some followers over others.
Reflection
I believe I can avoid the leadership dangers by practicing delegation. Through delegation, I can assign responsibility to other individuals, and in this case, blame can be placed on other individuals who lead to the failures. Additionally, delegation can lessen my workload and, in this case, allow me to focus on my health and wellness. Delegation can result in the formulation of many ideas, which may prove the need for changes. In this case, I can avoid being stubborn. The improvement in my delegation capabilities will ensure that I realize personal growth as a leader.
References
Carroll, R., & Prickett, S. (2008). The Bible: Authorized King James Version . OUP Oxford.
Throntveit, M. A. (2012). Ezra-Nehemiah: Interpretation: A Bible commentary for teaching and preaching . Westminster John Knox Press.
