FROM THE WEST - May 2005
Brethren:
I am dedicating this article in tribute to the memory of the late beloved Pope John Paul II who was laid to rest on April 8, 2005. He was a great friend to all of humanity regardless of stature or religious persuasion. The lesson of his existence teaches us all that humility and service to others is the greatest gift that any person can give to his fellow man.
It is, in its own way, a lesson in leadership that we as Masons and men of good will should take to heart when cultivating the successful traits of leadership that are necessary in achieving organizational success within the Lodge. Effective leadership casts a vision which leads the leader and goes beyond what one individual can accomplish.
Please do not doubt that successful leadership is within the reach of just about everyone, and that although it is true that some people are born with greater natural gifts than others, the ability to lead is really a collection of skills, nearly all of which can be learned and improved upon.
Leadership is not merely for the few, and many people have no idea of the opportunities they are passsing up when they do not learn to lead. Few critics will fault a strong man who stumbles but valiantly persists in trying to do the right thing for the sake of his organization. If he fails while trying, so his place will never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Additionally, good leadership decisions are always based on the purpose of the organization, and although members will forgive occasional honest mistakes, they won't trust a skip in character.
Character and leadership credibility always go hand in hand. Character makes trust possible, and trust makes leadership possible. Also, staying focused on results rather than the difficulty of the task at hand, helps to avoid being distracted from concentrating the necessary level of effort in achieving desired results.
All of the above successful traits of leadership were practiced daily by the late beloved Pope John Paul II and are a good pattern for emulation by us as Freemasons in service to our Lodge and the community.
Fraternally Yours,
Marco Romey, PM
Senior Warden