The mechanism behind the aphorism simply implying that if someone wants to be a mason, they need to ask one. Short, simple, and to the point. The phrase encompasses the admonition that no Mason will (or can) ask someone to join or become one, because then the decision to join is solemn one—a turning point […]
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Posts on the topic of Leadership, management, and running an effective organization.
The Perils of Negativity
BRYCE ON MANAGEMENTLearn to avoid the whiners. Like many of you, I belong to several civic and industrial nonprofit organizations. I always find it amusing to see the elders of such organizations criticize the current slate of officers. Inevitably, you hear, “That’s not how we did things in my day.” They then go on to […]
Continue readingWhat is Fair?
Is fairness in the eye of the beholder?BRYCE ON MORALITY Good question. This is something we all demand but I don’t think we really know what fair is; to illustrate: In this country we have established an extensive system of jurisprudence involving lawyers, judges, juries, appeals, etc. Yet, when a decision is finally reached, we claim […]
Continue readingManaging a Nonprofit Organization
It’s not exactly “rocket science” but some people still don’t know how to do it. Recently I was adding up the number of Board of Directors I have served on over the years for nonprofit organizations. This includes computer societies, fraternal organizations, homeowner associations, even Little League. The number was over 50 where I have […]
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Managing the Future of Freemasonry – An Interview with Dr David West
I spent some time talking with the author of Managing the Future of Freemasonry: The Book of Optimism, Dr. David West, about his work, the past and future of Freemasonry and what is at stake in moving into 21st-century fraternalism. Some of his ideas may surprise you, but when you consider what he says I think […]
Continue readingBryce’s Masonic Planning Seminar
I first wrote this article for FreemasonInformation.com back on March 11th, 2007. We tried it in my own Lodge shortly thereafter with remarkable results. The Craft was able to voice their opinions in a controlled environment, thereby stimulating participation and attendance, and helped officers adjust their plans for the Lodge. I hope you find this […]
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The Need for Checks and Balances in Nonprofits
Particularly in financial management. BRYCE ON NONPROFITS In 2014, a Vancouver Masonic Temple suffered through the embarrassment of an embezzlement of nearly $800,000 by its Treasurer. The Treasurer belonged to a Building Fund which housed various Masonic Lodges and youth groups. The misappropriation was detected accidentally only when the Temple failed to pay its real […]
Continue readingThe Age Old Question: Is Freemasonry A Religion?
Is Freemasonry a Religion? Yes, Freemasonry Is Religion, And Is Incompatible With Some Christian Beliefs. Here’s Why. I’ve been a Freemason for only about four years, but I’ve already done a lot of changing in my views. One view I used to have, which I think most first years have is that Freemasonry and Christianity are […]
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Who Serves Who?
Probably the best way to differentiate between a commercial enterprise and a nonprofit organization is by asking, “Who serves who?” Whether it is a small business or a major corporation, the commercial enterprise is primarily concerned with serving its customers. In general, such companies will go to great lengths to keep their customers happy in order […]
Continue readingLeadership
One in an ongoing series I’ve planned to look at. The ideas expressed could probably apply to all walks fo life, from your work place, to the Lodge Room. Each one of us are leaders in one way or another, and these are lessons to help us be better. In this video Four star general […]
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