“A successful transformational leader is one who, when targets have been met, strategies implemented according to plan, and performance indicators have satisfied major stakeholders, has those within the organization saying, ‘We did it!’”
— Adapted from Lao Tzu.
1️⃣ Introduction — The Power of Shared Accomplishment
Leadership at its best is never a solo performance. True leaders mobilize others to act so that, at the end of the journey, the team celebrates not the brilliance of one individual but the faithfulness of a community that believed and worked together.
Nehemiah exemplifies this kind of leadership. He was neither priest nor prophet, but a layman—a cupbearer in exile—who saw a national crisis and responded with prayer, planning, and courage. His cry, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem,” transformed despair into movement. When the wall was completed in fifty-two days, the people didn’t say, “Nehemiah did it,” but “we did it!” That is transformational leadership — influence that inspires shared vision, ownership, and perseverance.
2️⃣ The Illusion of Title and Position
In our developing country context, titles are very important. People will go to great lengths to obtain one, even enrolling in dubious institutions just to be called “Doctor.” Sadly, this preoccupation with titles has infiltrated the Church itself, where we now have a proliferation of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles, and Prophets of every kind.
Jesus would have been so out of place in such an environment. His introduction was simply “Jesus of Nazareth,” “the carpenter’s son,” or “son of Mary.” Yet He exercised more lasting authority than any title could bestow.
In my early years of leadership within FOCUS Kenya, and later in IFES · International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, I came to understand why “Students Reaching Students” is God’s secret for building His Kingdom. Better-resourced organizations, able to hire full-time staff for campus ministry, never had the influence that students had on their peers. The university world is difficult to penetrate; it is only fellow students who can effectively reach their colleagues through friendship and presence. It was never about position — it was about influence.
If one thinks they are too small to make a difference, they have never spent a night with a mosquito!
John Maxwell’s words ring true: “Leadership is influence — nothing more, nothing less.” A title can open a door, but only character keeps it open.
3️⃣ Influence Flows From Who You Are, Not What You Have
True influence does not flow from office or resources; it flows from integrity, consistency, and authenticity. People follow those they trust.
When I observe the Hatua Project of FOCUS Kenya, I commend the current leadership for modelling this authenticity. In building a vision for such a massive yet deeply needed initiative, they have demonstrated that leadership is not about ego but stewardship — seeing a need and mobilizing people to meet it. Their example reminds us that transformational leadership is never self-referential; it draws strength from shared conviction and transparent character.
Nehemiah embodied this same authenticity. His first response to bad news was not to issue commands but to weep, fast, and pray. He aligned his heart with God before aligning others to a plan. His integrity and empathy became his greatest capital.
4️⃣ Lessons From Nehemiah: Five Behaviors of Transformational Leaders
Drawing from both Scripture and contemporary leadership insights (The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner), Nehemiah’s story reveals the five key behaviors of transformational leadership:
🟤 Challenging the Process
He refused to accept the broken walls of Jerusalem as “normal.” He dreamed of something better, sought divine guidance, and risked his position in the royal court to act.
Transformational leaders question the status quo and step out in faith to change it.
🟣 Inspiring a Shared Vision
Nehemiah began alone, but his passion ignited others. His language shifted from “I” to “we” — “Come, let us rebuild.”
Great leaders move people from apathy to action by painting a compelling picture of what could be.
🟢 Enabling Others to Act
He broke the massive project into sections, assigning families specific portions of the wall. From priests to perfumers, everyone had a part.
Transformational leaders delegate, empower, and build trust — they don’t do all the work themselves.
🟠 Modelling the Way
Nehemiah led by example. He worked with his hands, shared his resources, and refused privileges others took for granted.
He embodied the principle, “Do not ask anyone to do what you are unwilling to do yourself.”
🟡 Encouraging the Heart
When the wall was complete, Nehemiah gathered the people to celebrate and read the Word. The joy of the Lord became their strength.
Transformational leaders know how to celebrate progress, affirm others, and restore hope.
5️⃣ Influence Begins With Self-Leadership
In a recent Compassion International Inc. Kenya Board Retreat, we reflected that “the toughest management challenge is always yourself.” True leadership begins with self-leadership — mastering your motives, emotions, and ego. Daniel Goleman calls this emotional intelligence: the capacity for self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and social skill.
Dee Hock, founder of VISA International, put it bluntly: “If you look to lead, invest at least 40–50% of your time managing yourself — your ethics, character, purpose, and conduct.”
Nehemiah exemplified this discipline. He prayed before speaking, planned before acting, and persisted despite ridicule. His self-control under pressure and his courage in crisis made him not just a builder of walls but a builder of people.
6️⃣ A Leadership That Outlives Titles
Positional leadership ends when the term expires. Transformational leadership endures because it multiplies itself in others.
When the wall was finished, Nehemiah didn’t rest on his success; he re-established worship, accountability, and community life. He turned achievement into renewal. True leaders think beyond their tenure. They ask, Who will carry the vision when I’m gone?
The greatest leaders are not those with the longest CVs but those whose values outlive them and those who raise others to lead. They measure success not by how many follow them but by how many surpass them. Their influence is felt not in the minutes of meetings but in the lives they’ve shaped.
✨A Quiet Revolution
In a world obsessed with visibility, Jesus’ model remains countercultural. He often avoided the crowds that wanted to crown Him king. He led through compassion, service, and truth — and His influence endures across millennia.
Kenya’s transformation will not begin with louder speeches or grand reforms, but with men and women in offices, classrooms, and county halls choosing to lead quietly — with integrity, courage, and empathy.
Influence grows where character is rooted. It begins when we choose to serve, to listen, to stay faithful in small things.
🙌 Reflection
As you begin this week, ask yourself:
• Am I pursuing titles or cultivating trust?
• Do people around me feel controlled or empowered?
• When success comes, will others say “he did it” or “we did it”?
Like Nehemiah, may we be prayerful in planning, bold in vision, generous in spirit, and unwavering in integrity.
True greatness is not found in the seat you occupy but in the lives you touch.
Jesus’ towel and basin still call us to a different kind of leadership — one that stoops to serve, yet stands tall in moral authority.
May we be such leaders in our families, workplaces, and nation — salt in decay, light in darkness, and leaven in the dough of society.
The world may celebrate power, but heaven honors influence that serves.
Onwards we go.
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