Page 26 - MFM Aug Sept 2019

new ideas. Bow and scrape. Don’t question anything. And, That’s possible because the times are right. But it
if you’re a good fellow, you’ll get the Masonic goodies. In will only happen if we have leaders with courage and
other words, we have exactly what we want and what we conviction.
deserve: a Fraternity of petty and pathetic bureaucrats --
and it’s killing us. So, what’s my advice? How do we get leaders who can
make a diff erence? Frankly, we need men who are willing
If this is the current leadership situation, what needs to to be daring. I recommend this approach:
change to meet the challenge of the decade ahead -- and
beyond? We need leaders with very specifi c qualities: “If you have a good idea, go ahead and do it because it
is much easier to apologize than it is to ask permission.”
Our leaders must possess imagination. We need
leadership standards. We need job descriptions for I realize that such a strategy is subversive, but saving
leadership positions. We need to get down on paper what our Fraternity makes it right for the times. In the same
we expect from those who guide us. What are their goals way, we must start ignoring the past and start adoring the
and objectives? What do they want to accomplish while future. We’ve looked in the ‘rear-view’ mirror long enough.
in offi ce? The membership has a right to know what our
leaders are thinking. What are their ideas? Are they just Finally, we must stop worrying about how important
carbon copies of those who have gone before them, or do we are and start thinking seriously about what it’s going
they possess the abilities necessary to move our Fraternity to take to save Freemasonry. That’s leadership. And that’s
forward? setting the pace.
Our leaders must be able to bring a sense of excitement
to the Fraternity. Frankly, we should get down on our
knees every day and thank God for our members. No
single group of men puts up with more dull nonsense
than do the Masons of America! And then they keep on
paying their dues year after year!
Reprinted from “The Masonic Trowel”, http://www.themasonictrowel.
Leadership means being able to move men’s hearts, com/. A presentation of John R. Graham, 33º, Northern Jurisdiction
to make them proud of their Masonic membership. Scottish Rite, Scottish Rite regional work shops. Reprinted from the
Leadership means being able to motivate men to action. Southern California Research Lodge Papers, by Kena Computer Club, the
It means getting Masons to come out of the closet and home of Hiram’s Oasis, the Masonic Computerized Bulletin Board, 703-
demonstrate their enthusiasm for the Fraternity. 938-4990.
Masonic leadership means a willingness to take bold
steps. The job today is one of getting Masonry on TV and
in the newspapers. It’s being out in front and highly visible.
Yet, we seem to think we’re doing something important if
we have a booth at a county fair. That’s nothing. We need
blimps! If we don’t start thinking big, we’re through.

Our leaders must possess a new vision for our Fraternity.
Where do we want Freemasonry to be in the year 2000?
How are we going to get there? What must happen to
get things moving? How are we going to mobilize the
resources so that we make a diff erence? This is the vision
that can put Masonry on the map -- where it belongs.

If a man does not have this kind of vision, if he does not
possess the skill to make things happen, then he should
not be elevated to a leadership position.

Masonry can once again provide men with status,
prestige and infl uence.

Montana Freemason Page 26 Aug/Sept 2019 Volume 95 No .6