As we think about leadership we realize there are many factors that make up a leader. Context and character are two such factors. Who are you? Where have you come from? Where are you currently? In addition David McKenna speaks of crucible moments - those that shape our leadership - times of struggle or hardship where leaders learn competencies in how to lead.
What are your crucible moments? How have you matured through those difficult times into the leader you are now? Nehemiah experienced the crucible of being an exile under the authority of a pagan king. Through his context, character, and crucibles he learned some competencies which place him in a position to lead.