Leadership
Hello Moose Family,
About 90% of those addressed in this email are Leaders in our great Moose Fraternity. Some of you have been members of our beloved fraternity for many years, and some are fairly new, wanting to make a positive difference in your lodge. We have undergone many changes in recent years and are still adapting and adjusting to this change. I would be lying if I said everything is “sunshine and daisies” in all the lodges, so rather than share this with a couple members, I find myself compelled to share this message with you all. When I first read this, I immediately thought about many of the passionate and selfless Moose leaders who — despite the adversities, negativity, and hardships – choose to persevere because they know and remind themselves of the greater good that they do as a result of their involvement in their leadership capacity. Other Moose members don’t always see the sacrifice that each of you make. As your Territory Manager, I want to share that I’ve been there, am still there, and understand.
Hang in there… know you are appreciated… let me know if you need help. Below is a message written by Del Carcellar that I found, and shared on my personal Facebook page. I believe many of you could relate and appreciate the message, and the majority can especially relate to the last sentence, as I do.
God bless you and give you strength to continue to do great things for: Mooseheart – Moosehaven – Our Communities – Our Supportive Members.
Leadership … is carrying a weight that others often don’t see. – by Del Carcellar
Leadership is not for everyone. It doesn’t always come with the comfort of being liked by everyone. It requires a strong and courageous heart that is willing to be disliked, misunderstood, criticized, and even hated. Leaders often have a broader vision, seeing further ahead than others. This difference in perspective can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. Leaders make decisions based on the future, resources, and circumstances—factors that are not always visible to others. Therefore, a LEADER must:
- Be able to communicate ideals and direction: This helps inspire and motivate others to support the leader. However, there are information that are confidential, leaving the leader to carry certain burdens alone.
- Have a strong heart: The courage to be misunderstood, disliked, and criticized is inevitable. Not everyone will understand or agree with the leader, but having a strong heart will help the leader maintain resilience.
- Be grounded in purpose: A leader must be deeply rooted in the reason behind their leadership. This purpose serves as a foundation during moments of doubt and struggle. This will help them to assess whether continuing to lead is still worthwhile.
- Be willing to be uncomfortable: Leadership often involves discomfort and sacrifice for the greater good of others.
Leadership is about service, which can be uncomfortable, unpleasant, and requires humility. It’s not a role suited for everyone. However, despite the challenges, true leadership is a rewarding journey that brings about meaningful change and growth. To lead is an opportunity to inspire others, to make a lasting impact, and leave a legacy of service and integrity.
Those who choose to lead can find deep fulfillment in knowing that they have made a difference in the lives of others.
The Member Who Never Came Back
It amuses me to think that your lodge spends so much time, looking for new members when I was there all the time.
Do you remember me? I’m the person that you asked to join, I paid my dues and was asked to be a loyal and faithful member.
I’m the person who came to every meeting but nobody paid any attention to me.
I tried to be friendly but everyone seemed to have their own friends to talk and sit with.
I sat with different people several times but they did not pay much attention to me.
I hoped somebody would ask me to join one of the committees or do something but no one did.
Finally, because of illness I missed a meeting. When I came back again no one asked me where I had been.
I guess it didn’t matter much whether I came or not.
Next time I decided to stay home and watch a good TV Show.
When I came back again no one asked where I was the month before.
You might say I’m a good person, fun loving and religious, You know what else I am?
