Are you stealing a Young Leader’s Passion?

It can start simply enough.

Maybe it’s a comment; “you better hold off on that, we may not be ready yet,” or “we’ll have to wait until we resolve these budget issues;” or something like, “I agree with you but we have never done it that way before.”

These statements may seem harmless, but when expressed over time to a young leader in your organization that it is extremely passionate about the lodge and the project that will be delayed, they will strip that person of their passion.

Think about it. You have picked someone who has the skill, passion, drive, and understanding to carry out a project. They are willing to sacrifice to see that this project is accomplished because they believe it is the right thing to do and it will improve the lodge. Yet they continually run into roadblocks that appear to diminish its importance. They are told what they are doing is important, but it is not supported by the action of the rest of the lodge.

Over time these little setbacks reduce the person’s passion. Each time it happens it takes longer for them to rebound to their original level of enthusiasm and they never regain their beginning level of passion. Finally the person just says, “I’m done, nobody understands my sacrifices and they are not appreciated.”

How to prevent this from happening: 

  • Have complete buy-in that the project is important to the organization
  • Understand the difficulties that may be encountered as the project progresses and be willing to support the project leader through these difficulties
  • Understand the resources necessary to support the project and agree to provide them. If you can’t provide them explain why and help find alternatives
  • Periodically review the progress with the project leader and make adjustments if necessary
  • Communicate the importance of the project at all levels in the organization and celebrate its successes along the way

Notice nothing was said about recognizing the project leader for his hard work. Although a leader will appreciate recognition, their joy comes from the support of the project and the improvement of the organization. Praise without support is just empty words and steals passion.

Give all the support to the young leaders in your lodge who have passion, they are your organization’s future.

 

Have a Great Masonic Day!

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