The Masonic Trowel

... to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble emulation of who can best work or best agree ...


[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[
Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of All Articles] [Masonic Blogs] [Links]
 [
What is New] [Feedback]

 Masonic quotes by Brothers



Search Website For


Add To Favorites

Help Me Maintain OUR Website!!!!!!


List of Contributors


PDF This File


Print This Page


Email This Site To ...


more light #338

Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership

by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota


“Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership,”
by Kent Keith

“1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

6. The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.

7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.

10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

“Keith wrote these when he was a 19-year-old Harvard sophomore, in a booklet for high school leaders. This was 1968, when students were organizing everywhere. In the three decades since, the commandments have been drawn upon by everyone from Mother Theresa to Superman.

I also really like the context set out before and after the rules. Here’s the setup before…

“[The rules] assume that you care. I mean, really. Not just because it’s fashionable to appear concerned for those who are “less fortunate.” Not because you know that pretending to care is going to earn you the title of Mr. Nice. Not because the redhead in the next row loves charitable people. Not because it’s a good way to get attention in the public spotlight. No. Something deep, something sincere and real. Being interested in what others think, how they feel, what’s important to them, what they need. … A lot of sentimental hocus-pocus? Maybe. Personally, I am convinced that unless you really care for the people you are going to lead, you’ll never do anything meaningful – except by accident.

“…and here’s after…

Personally, I’m convinced that if you are helping people for your sake and not theirs, you’ll never be satisfied: either the “return” in personal glorification won’t come, or if it does, it won’t for long appease a constantly growing ego. If you’re out for glory you’ll never have enough, and you’ll never be happy. On the other hand, if you really care and want to help, then a lack of recognition is no great tragedy.

“Amazing that this sprang forth from the pen (or manual typewriter) of a 19-year-old.”

back to top


[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[
Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of All Articles] [Masonic Blogs] [Links]
 [
What is New] [Feedback]


This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United States or elsewhere.
It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion
of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any other regular Masonic body other than those stated.

DEAD LINKS & Reproduction | Legal Disclaimer | Regarding Copyrights

Last modified: March 22, 2014