Working The Masonic Leader’s Tools

By Justus E. Fischer

In Freemasonry, its lessons give us the tools to enhance our own lives and the lives of those around us. However, someone may apply these lessons; it is up to his discretion. So it is a fair assumption to point out that as the years change, our Masonic leadership changes hands. Not every person in a leadership position is a seasoned professional. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones and learn from our experiences; as someone who has worked in customer service for quite some years. I can honestly say that I’ve had good mentors and leaders teaching me the core values of leadership. As I progressed, traveled, and undertook various responsibilities in my Masonic journey, had no choice but to become a team leader. I had to take the lessons I’ve learned in my professional background and apply them to my Masonic philosophy. We are not all born to be leaders, and that’s completely normal. However, I must impart some wisdom to the less informed brethren so that, ultimately, you can pass this forward and improve the lives of yourself and those around you. The strong must help the weak to bring balance and harmony to our society. Together, we are builders.

There are three main types of leadership:

1. Apathetic

2. Sympathetic

3. Empathetic

Apathetic Leaders: Transactional and taskoriented, these leaders are not looking for ways to have an emotional or a loving and personal connection. These types of leaders exhibit attention strictly driven by results and accolades. These attributes are a by-product of an all-work and no-play attitude.

Sympathetic Leaders: The public perception of these leaders is generally favorable. However, they don’t offer their followers or constituents the answers needed to progress forward in a positive direction. Their followers feel that generally, they are cared for, but they rarely get the solutions necessary to problem solve and think critically.

Empathetic Leaders: These leaders are genuinely transformational as they exemplify the rough ashlar becoming a perfect specimen while spreading the cement of brotherly love. It is no secret that the primary focus of the empathetic leader is empowering the brethren around him. These leaders inspire greatness in other individuals. Simply put, they listen more than speak. They are inquisitive-minded people. There is no assumption of a worst-case scenario with them; they are positive and always put their best foot forward, inside and outside the lodge. These leaders have a high moral fiber (the plumb.) These leaders are in balance with their followers. (the level.) These leaders are fair in all their public and private dealings (the square.)

In conclusion, regardless of what type of leader you are, the search for self-help and personal development is never ending. However, it need not be a lifelong journey if we can honestly and introspectively assess our strengths and weaknesses and take the lessons of improvement taught in our Masonic ritual. Applying the wisdom to our leadership strategies, we can genuinely improve the lives of others and overall enhance our experience on this journey. Impactful leaders utilize the latest technology and resources to communicate effectively and listen with empathy in their faithful breasts. The great leaders have led by their example on the front lines (I.e., George Washington when he crossed the Delaware River.) These leaders are primarily spiritual and look for ways to improve their “inner temple.” (I.e., Phil Jackson, the NBA Basketball player, and coach boasting thirteen championships.) There is no I in the word team. Individual successes begin and end with us, but when we improve the lives of others, we are giving back to our society and future generations after us. This benevolence is our legacy, and we must cherish it. Together we can achieve if we genuinely believe.

Bro. Justus E. Fischer, Lodge Education Officer, Barrington Lodge No. 522