Short deadlines.

Not enough staff.

Tight budgets.

Personal attacks.

External opposition.

Internal conflicts.

A huge task.

Sound like your organization?

Hopefully not, but that was the situation that Nehemiah faced as he stood at the broken down walls of Jerusalem and wept. Fortunately, Nehemiah had a unique ability to solve the complex problems that faced him. His methods illustrate two powerful elements of systems thinking that every leader should possess. As you begin to understand these elements, they will help you solve the problems you face as a leader.

Nehemiah’s ability to solve complex problems grew out of his manner of seeing the problems – as a systems thinker. Peter Senge, one of the early proponents of systems thinking, said “Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static ‘snapshots’ “.

Two elements of systems thinking made a difference for Nehemiah. He saw what Senge labeled “the subtle interconnectedness that gives living systems their unique character,” and he saw the ‘structures’ that underlie complex situations”.

The result? He was so successful in his work that, when people saw it, “they realized that this work had been done with the help of God” (Nehemiah 6:16). Each step of the way, Nehemiah had sought the Lord for direction. God answered those prayers by providing favor, strength, and wisdom.

How will you use systems thinking to “rebuild the walls” you encounter?

Nehemiah’s approach to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem serves as a prime example of problem-solving in the Bible. 

He grasped the problem’s scope by carefully considering the report he received, understanding its importance in shaping subsequent actions. This involved not just hearing the report but also probing the messengers for additional details.

He empathized with the suffering of his people, feeling deeply for them and for the honor of God. This compassionate stance underpinned his entire plan.

Nehemiah turned to prayer, petitioning the “God of heaven” fervently and humbly. His prayer was marked by reverence, confession, and a plea for divine favor, recognizing the need for God’s intervention in his interactions with King Artaxerxes.

He waited for the right moment to approach the king, having spent months in prayerful preparation. Even when the opportunity arose, Nehemiah continued to seek God’s guidance through prayer.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, Nehemiah quietly assessed the situation, taking time to understand the condition of the wall before revealing his plan. This thoughtful approach mirrored that of a skilled physician diagnosing a patient’s ailment.

Nehemiah involved the community in the solution, recognizing that the problem was a collective concern. With a rallying cry, he gathered support for the rebuilding effort, instilling confidence in the people by reminding them of God’s favor.

Nehemiah’s example highlights the importance of prayer, empathy, careful planning, and community involvement in problem-solving. Leaders can glean valuable insights from his actions by studying this narrative closely.

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