Be the Example and Lead

The overall goal of DeMolay is to build young men into better leaders. We always hear that the key to being a leader is to "Lead by example." How does one accomplish this? Here are some important steps I found that will help us effectively lead by example:

 

1. Take responsibility. As a leader, mistakes may happen. Laying blame to those mistakes will cause you lose your credibility. The key is to help guide in fixing those mistakes. 

2. Be truthful. Everyone's parent has once told them that "Honesty is the best policy." As a leader, if you're not honest with others, they will lose respect in your leadership qualities.

3. Be courageous. If members of a team see that you are willing to take the risk, they will be more likely to follow. Be the first to take the leap. 

4. Acknowledge failure. Not every mission is a successful one. Learning from our failures is what makes us better people, and in this case a better team.

5. Be persistent. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." A leader doesn't give up too easy. A goal can still be attained even if it's not achieved the first time. The harder you work, the more likely the goal will be attained. 

6. Listen and learn. Asking questions is a sign of efficiency, not a sign of weakness. Just because your in a leadership role, doesn't mean you can't listen, take suggestions and ask questions.   

7. Delegate based on strengths. Do not take on all the work yourself. Every member of a team has core values. Figure them out and utilize them to reach success.

For anyone going through the chairs in DeMolay, planning to become a State Officer, or in some way will work in an area that involves leadership, I urge you to think about these steps. Be the leader that others need you to be. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Here is the link that I found my information if you'd like to view it.

http://www.soulcraft.co/essays/lead_by_example.html    

The 5 Steps of Being a Mentor

PA DeMolay promotes the Bro-Tie mentoring program, a program that allows members to coach our newest brothers through the ranks of DeMolay. They are asked to help guide them and teach them to make their DeMolay experience more enjoyable. When both parties achieve success, a half of their bow-tie is exchanged, giving both participants a black and red bow-tie. With this, we should be asking ourselves "What does it take to be a good mentor."

As the program promotes, a mentor is a friend that helps guide a less experienced individual, but there are specific qualities that are important to make this process happen. Here are the five steps of being a mentor, as documented by the Oregon Youth Challenge Program:

Build trust - In order to be a mentor, the mentee must be able to trust the person leading him. Show them that you won't let them down.

Listen - Part of being a leader is listening to others. Listen to the mentee in order to find the best way to lead him.

Encourage - Motivation is an important part of success. As a mentor, encourage your mentee into learning what they need to in order to achieve their goals. 

Be Reliable - We already talked about building trust, but being reliable is about maintaining that trust. Be dependable, and the mentee will continue to follow your example. 

Have Fun - This should be the easiest part of being a mentor. Although you do want to make sure all other steps are followed, make sure both you and your mentee are having as much fun along the way. 

Every successful DeMolay has a story of someone that helped them along the way. In my case, I have a few different people who have mentored me and guided me to where I am now. Be that role model for someone else. Take advantage of the Bro-Tie program and help a new member learn more about DeMolay.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

#IAMDEMOLAY

The following is the link for the website that I found some of this important information.

http://www.oycp.com/MentorTraining/3/m3.html