Employ & Instruct: Part 2 - Followers
Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with being a good follower or participant in daily life. Well, as we are discovering the principle in Freemasonry, termed "Employ and Instruct,". While it offers rich insights just for leaders, but also for us followers in various settings - at work, home, or personal projects.
Being a follower, participant, employee or team player isn't always straightforward. We often grapple with questions like, "Am I contributing enough?" or "Am I growing and learning?" There's the pain of feeling under-utilised or stagnated, and the struggle of understanding and meeting expectations. It's easy to feel lost in the crowd, unsure of our role or how best to support our leaders and teams.
In such times, it's essential to shift our focus to what matters - active engagement, continuous learning, and respectful collaboration. These are the foundations of being a valuable participant, reflected in the Masonic principle of "Employ and Instruct". In Freemasonry, "Employ" means to engage in meaningful tasks, while "Instruct" implies the openness to learn and grow.
However, the modern environment presents its share of challenges. With evolving team dynamics and roles, followers often find it difficult to stay engaged and grow simultaneously. This challenge transcends work and seeps into every facet of our lives where we play a role - in our families, social circles, and even our personal interests. There's a growing need for a balanced approach, one that allows us to contribute meaningfully while continually learning and evolving.
Picture a future where each member of a team is not just fulfilling tasks, but actively 'employed' in roles that match their skills and aspirations. Imagine a world where everyone is 'instructed', not in a rigid sense, but with a spirit of growth, development, and mutual learning. It's not a mere dream, but a pathway to more engaged, fulfilling, and productive teamwork.
The principles of "Employ and Instruct" can also be applied to being a good follower or participant. Here are some practical steps:
Be Engaged:
Be active and involved in your role, showing commitment to your responsibilities. This could involve completing tasks to the best of your ability, contributing ideas, or being proactive in solving problems.Seek to Learn:
Be open to learning and developing your skills. This could involve seeking out training opportunities, asking for feedback, or taking the initiative to learn new things related to your role.Follow Instructions:
Show respect for your leader's guidance by following instructions and guidelines. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.Provide Constructive Feedback:
If there's something you think could be done better or differently, communicate this in a constructive and respectful way. Good leaders value feedback from their team members.Cooperate with Others:
Work cooperatively with your fellow team members. This involves communication, mutual respect, and willingness to compromise when necessary.Respect Leadership:
Respect the role of the leader, even if you don't always agree with their decisions. Remember that good leadership involves balancing the needs and perspectives of all team members.Show Initiative:
Don't just wait to be told what to do. If you see something that needs doing, or if you have an idea for improving something, take the initiative to address it (while still respecting the team's structure and processes).Be Open to Different Roles:
Depending on the team and the situation, you may sometimes need to take on a leadership role, and other times a follower role. Be adaptable and willing to contribute in whatever way best serves the team's goals.
Always remember, the role of a participant isn't passive. You can make a significant difference by showing initiative and being proactive. Depending on the situation, you might need to step up into a leadership role, so stay adaptable.
These principles might be centuries old, but their relevance is timeless. They provide a roadmap for effective participation that transcends boundaries, offering insights for everyone, regardless of their role or context. By embracing these principles, we can be more proactive, engaged, and valuable participants, carving a more positive, productive future for our teams.
Whether you're an employee at an office, a member of your local footy club, or part of a family, remember: it's not just about doing your bit