Steven L. Guffy, 32°, K.C.C.H.
811 N. Chelan Avenue, Wenatchee, Washington 98801
steveg@crcwnet.com

Planning, Promptness, Organization, Inspiration, and Encouragement are tools of leadership that promote Freemasonry.

There are five basic parts in holding Masonic office. Planning, Promptness, Organization, Inspiration, and Encouragement. Using all of these will result in an organization that is harmoniously run and enthusiastically attended. They apply to Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, or any other Masonic group.

Planning is the first step and provides the level beginning in each endeavor. Planning meetings sets direction and destination. Without destination, we could never arrive, and without a plan we would not know where to go and what should be done. Planning should be for more than the next meeting. It should be for your whole term with the flexibility to change and adapt when needed.

Promptness is like setting the cornerstone for the meeting. It marks the beginning and brings all the parts to that point in time. Being on time shows that you care enough to put out the effort. Your effort, in turn, encourages others to strive for timeliness. Example is a gentle teacher. Being early gives time to meet and greet your members and visitors as well as time to go over your meeting notes.

Just as every builder needs a trestleboard, the Master needs organization. His knowledge of the correct usage of the ritual and his ability to set and follow the agenda get the job done efficiently. Organization ensures that important things are given priority and that all things are addressed as needed.

Giving inspiration enriches your year as a leader as well as the lives of the members. You can inspire members by giving each a job that is appropriate and meaningful to him. The Bible says no workman need be ashamed, so every man needs a work to accomplish and to be approved. Recognition is the approval we all seek, and enthusiasm follows. Recognizing your members can be done by pats on the back at each meeting, positive notes in the trestleboard, and by presenting them with a certificate of appreciation or other honor.

Lastly, encouragement causes all of us to grow to our potential and the Masonic organization, in turn, to progress toward its goal of teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. To encourage a Brother may be as simple as being polite in your conversations. At other times, it may mean you will have to go out of your way and do something more substantial such as providing a physical need.

Planning, Promptness, Organization, Inspiration, and Encouragement are all tools of leadership that can be used to promote the principles of Freemasonry.