False Flags and Friendly Fire: Navigating the Battlefield of Leadership


Leadership isn’t for the weak. Through experience and prayer, I've learned it’s not just about casting vision or inspiring others. Sometimes, it’s about holding the line when people who claim to support you are quietly working against you.

We often talk about toxic leadership, but what’s discussed far less and just as dangerous is toxic followership.

Yes, it’s real. And if we’re going to lead with integrity and impact, we have to recognize it early and respond with courage and clarity (Benjamin, 2024, p. 170).

When I think about the challenges of leadership, I often reflect on the story of Nehemiah. He was called by God to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. This task wasn’t just about construction. It was about restoration, identity, and divine purpose. But even with a God-given mission, Nehemiah faced false flags and friendly fire.

His opposition didn’t come from outside forces alone. Sanballat, Tobiah, and others who claimed concern for the people of Judah tried to distract, discredit, and derail him under the guise of "help." They sent messages pretending to seek peace. They questioned his authority. They tried to manipulate others to weaken his credibility. But Nehemiah saw through it and refused to come down from the wall.

That’s the posture we have to take.

Over the years, I’ve encountered individuals who weren’t just disengaged but they were strategic in their disruption. Some deliberately deviated from guidance, attempted to undermine my decisions, and subtly recruited others to validate their toxic viewpoints. And when it came time to deliver, they’d either drop the ball or do the bare minimum to derail progress while maintaining a posture of innocence.

Just like Nehemiah, I had to stay on the wall. I had to lead with discernment and decisiveness, refusing to allow sabotage to go unchecked. I couldn’t be distracted by petty politics or power plays—not when there was purpose at stake.

Toxicity thrives in silence. But it can’t survive in the presence of direct, principled leadership. When I spot it now, I address it head-on with grace and firmness. Protecting the mission means confronting what threatens it, even when that threat is wearing a friendly face.
I remind myself often: I wasn’t called to lead for applause. I was anointed to lead with purpose, conviction, and strength, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Nehemiah’s response still inspires mine: “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). That’s the stance of a quintessential leader. Focused. Grounded. Unbothered by distractions.

Because real leadership doesn’t just inspire the right people—it also confronts the wrong ones. And no matter who tries to pull you down, you’ve got a wall to build.


Benjamin, T. (2024). Leadership: Our journey and culture (p. 170). TamikaINK.com.


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