There is certainly more to being a lodge officer than learning ritual…

Here are some leadership qualities to think about and to look for in selecting officers.

Positive Attitude

There nothing more harmful to an organization than a leader who is not positive in his outlook on life. We all have our “down days” but a leader who displays negativity constantly does nothing to create positive momentum. The lodge needs officers who will face our challenges positively, and with an attitude that will inspire others.

Character

As Masons we are taught to live respected. Gaining respect as a leader requires that we constantly demonstrate that we are trustworthy, lead with fairness, responsibly and a caring attitude. The display of a solid character will establish a leader as one who will lead with the best interest of the lodge at heart.

An Attitude of Service

Having the wrong attitude as a leader will lead you into disaster. Just because you have been given a title doesn’t make you a leader.

Your title means that you have been given responsibilities and a good lodge leader understands that because of these responsibilities he must make decisions that are good for the lodge and not himself.

This attitude of service also means that a lodge leader must be willing to make some personal sacrifices to ensure he fulfills his lodge responsibilities.

An attitude of service will bring you respect as a leader.

Commitment

A committed lodge leader is one that believes in the practice of Masonry and understands that personal sacrifice is necessary to be an effective officer. As your responsibilities grow as a leader your options become fewer. The higher you go in the lodge line the more you must realize that your personal preferences are secondary to the needs of the organization. Don’t become an officer without assessing your commitment to the work that must be done.

Communicator

A good leader must be able to communicate effectively, especially when part of a leadership team. Lodge officers must be able to communicate with each other, the brethren, other lodges and the community. Their communications must be clear, concise and understood.

An effective communicator understands that communication is a two-way street; listening is just a important as talking.

Visionary

A good leader must be able to see before others and further than others. A lodge officer must understand that part of his responsibility is to see that the organization continues after he serves as Master.

So an effective leader must be able to envision the future needs of his organization and lead currently in a manner that prepares the organization for the future.

A visionary leader will strive to constantly find others to mentor and build into the lodge’s future leaders.

Have a Great Masonic Day!