By Brian P. Bezner
This article is the first installment of an informational series by the Masonic Education Committee.
As Masons, we have made the choice to join a group of like-minded individuals to assist in our personal growth and improvement. Many of us have chosen to become leaders within this fraternity, as we find this aspect of the craft to be fulfilling. When stepping into a leadership role within an organization, certain clichés may come to mind. For example, “you only get out of it what you put into it” or “with great status comes great responsibility.” Although phrases like these may seem ominous, if viewed as a foundation for guidance – the base for your further growth as a leader – they can become beacons and help ground your actions. The first and most important care of a leader, however, is often the most difficult: humility.
We are given several tools within our ritual as a way to guide our thoughts and our actions. Furthermore, we come to the craft with set of principles and beliefs that we have honed over years of observance and reflection. Together, these resources better our approach toward all mankind. In order to practice humility, we must be comfortable sharing the glory of achievements. Though this may seem difficult when we are lauded for leading a group of people, it is important to remember that glory resides within the leader as well as those being led; it is a power greater than oneself.
Leadership can be a noble act and can allow for others to feel a sense of relief that the brunt of responsibility lies within someone else. It can also be a less than noble act if the leader is consumed with the selfish notion to assume all credit. The primary focus of a leader is to understand the people that are part of the collaborative team and the audience to which a final product will be given. Leadership takes on several roles throughout the process – speaker, listener, counselor, collaborator, observer, etc.
Our installation ritual offers the foundation that begins with our tiler and works its way to the Worshipful Master. When a brother is installed as the tiler, he is given the charge that the sword is the implement of his office as a guard at the door. More importantly, it is given as a guard against our thoughts and a watch over our lips. As leaders within this organization, we are to be guided by the simplest of charges so that our thoughts and acts not only reflect favorably upon us, but upon our noble institution. The actions and words of a leader can be enlightening or detrimental; they can build-up as well as tear down. Let us be mindful of all that our tiler is to teach us through his quiet, deliberate actions.
As a senior DeMolay, I had the opportunity to serve as master councilor of my DeMolay chapter. When the master councilor is installed, he is given several charges on how to lead within the chapter and within the organization for the time he serves. The most important of these is, “As you have risen from the ranks for a brief period of time, so to the ranks you shall return.” As a young man, it is even harder to be humble and to not allow arrogance seep into our actions. However, the lesson is there for all to hear, especially the newly installed master councilor.
Humility is the first and most important care of leadership, as it makes the foundational clichés applicable in your performance as a leader. It is grounding to help us become more mindful of the words we select and the actions we are willing to pursue. Furthermore, it guides us to the most important realm of growth – self-reflection, which is intended to be humbling in nature. As a leader within this, and any organization, our approach should be ever mindful of our beginnings, our journey, and our desired end.
Brian P. Bezner is an inspector, Masonic Education Committee chairman, and past master of Rosemead Lodge No. 457.
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