Page 27 - MFM Jan Feb 2024

To be truthful. To set goals.
Sometimes this is painful for everyone involved, These always must be goals. Some are easily
but there is no path forward based on a falsehood. attainable, while others are very diffi cult
A lodge cannot address challenges unless they to accomplish. As a leader, one must have
understand the challenges that are faced, and conversations and gain some level of consensus
that takes an acknowledgment of the truth. As among the Craft. Throughout these musings
Masons though, the truth should be off ered with among Brothers, humility and truthfulness are
empathy and a willingness to help in any way laid bare before each other, and genuine trust is
possible. This is also a tenet of great leadership. nurtured. Exemplary actions and behaviors are
discussed and fi nalized, ultimately leading to the
To be an example. establishment of goals. Short-term goals are the
In everything that is done, as a Freemason, it is immediate need and are stepping stones that lead
imperative that exemplary behavior is presented down the overarching path to the more diffi cult
in all fraternal and societal interactions. The ones. This is how any great and important goal
bottom line: act like someone is always watching is accomplished; accomplishing several smaller
and learning; be the quintessential mentor. ones leads to the successful attainment of a large
Freemasonry equips its membership with many goal. Moreover, this also avoids the potential for
lessons on morality and virtue. That is fortunate getting overwhelmed, as success occurs as each
for Masons who understand this, but if we are short-term goal is conquered.
honest with ourselves, many Masons do not
invest themselves with these teachings and There are many reasons as to why and how of
remain ill-equipped to provide a true leadership declining membership, and it is easy to focus
source. This fact needs to be recognized and on a particular perception. However, the whole
acknowledged before a path forward is charted, picture cannot be seen unless leadership steps
leading to humility and the start of this process. back from the situation and understands the
overall problem. In this case, leadership is the
problem, and it will take great leaders to fi nd
success. Masonry has witnessed success for
centuries, and that is not because the easy path
has been the right path, but more than likely, it
is because Masons have stayed true to the core
values and beliefs of the fraternity.

Reprinted from The Kansas Mason, Vol 61, Issue 1,
Spring 2023

THE BOTTOM LINE

........leadership is a skill that can be taught and learned.
Like any skill, it takes practice, discussion, learning, and a formal acknowledgment of its necessity.

Montana Freemason Page 27 Jan/Feb 2024 Volume 100 No.1