From the Office of the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
June 7, 2010
The Masonic Leader
Everyone wants to believe in something or someone be it at work or at play. A good leader is able to convince all types of people in what ever the task or situation may be to follow their direction in order accomplish a goal. However a Masonic leader a lot like a charismatic leader tends to get their tasks accomplished a lot easier. When a leader is charismatic they exude a lot of the following qualities such as being a visionary, having masterful communication skills, the ability to make group members feel capable, the use of unconventional strategies to achieve success, and they challenge their followers just to name a few.
A visionary leader has a distinct idea of how tasks will be completed and ways of getting there. The charismatic leader will explain these steps in detail making sure the worker understands what is being asked and how this vision will affect the worker. Just as the Master will lead his craft into tasks that he has a vision for the lodge to be better economically, socially or have a better sense of brotherly love. The leader believes in this idea so strongly that he will be able to convince his workers or followers that this is something that they should also believe in. When a worker believes in something they will work harder at getting to that goal as it will give them a good feeling to see that goal achieved. As we approach the end of the Masonic year each and every Lodge should be aiming for the distinct award of Lodge of the year just as each Master Mason and Worshipful Master should have set their goals on this accomplishment. This goal or vision of the Master can be accomplished if the Master works with his craft to show how this is something that not only he wants but they Lodge as a collective wants.
A charismatic leader also is a great communicator. They have a way of getting on the same level of their workers and expressing what needs to be done in a way that does not require repeat conversations on the same subject but also makes the worker have a sense of purpose. A worker understands what needs to done and based on the way the charismatic leader delivers this set of goals or tasks a worker wants to do these things. A Masonic Leader will help the members of the craft to be empowered and engaged in the work of the Lodge. The Masonic leader who is the head of a committee will make sure that the members of the committee give their input as to how the task can be completed and give constant feed back to assure the team is headed in the right direction and the goals can be accomplished. It does not always have to be just the Master of the Lodge who is calling the shots and being a rock of strength in a sea of despair and confusion.
A charismatic leader will use tactics to achieve goals that have not been presented to the team before. Like creating challenges between groups of workers to finish the desired task first or creating teambuilding situations the leader takes part in to make the group feel as if they are all on the same level. Just this year we have seen these sort of tasks and ideas presented by our Grand Masters as he has helped in fund raising efforts personally that involved individual selling campaigns and has tasked his staff in the North , South and West to see which group could raise the most funds prior to Grand Lodge.
When a group has someone they can believe in it will just enhance how they work as they feel a sense of understanding with this person. This type of leader makes the work day go quicker as they enjoy what the leader has to say and they enjoy being around this type or person. Thus the presence of a charismatic leader tends to enhance the job satisfaction of group members. When you have a Masonic Leader who has these same attributes the craft tends to grow stronger and larger as this is what brings members back into the fold. This strong leader makes formerly active members want to once again come back to the thing they once loved and makes outsiders want to be a part of that organization. When it is all said and done, and your work has ceased for the day can you lay your head down on your pillow at night and say that your truly are a Masonic Leader?
P.M. Edward J.A. Moore
RW Grand Lecturer
References
Dubrin, Andrew J. (2007). Leadership Reserch Findings, Practice, and Skills (5thed.).
Boston New Yourk: Houghton Mifflin Company