"Properly Clothed" - A Lesson from the Fake Tradie
One of the key concepts in Freemasonry is that of being "properly clothed". As we explore this principle further, I'll intertwine a personal experience from my days at American Express.
There's something intriguing the Masonic Tradition of being "properly clothed". You might be thinking of an elegant robe or secret outfit, but it's more nuanced than that. So, buckle up as we delve into the heart of this Masonic concept and tie it to an unforgettable experience from my days at American Express.
In the Masonic world, being "properly clothed" holds a particular meaning. It’s not just about what you wear; it’s about the significance it carries. Every Mason wearing a dark suit, white shirt & tie. Depending on the lodge and jurisdiction, this could even be a business suit, a tuxedo (dinner suit), or tails. Plus, there are our Masonic adornments—our Aprons, Collars, and Jewels. This signifies unity, strength and belonging.
A curious thing happened when I was working for American Express, a memory that links back to our concept at hand. We had a partnership with Masters Home Improvement, Woolworths's rival to Bunnings. My mission? To assist Masters' staff in promoting American Express cards to their Tradie customers. But here's the catch: the expected Amex uniform of a suit and tie was an anomaly in the world of hardware stores. Can you imagine the strange sight that would have been?
Being "properly clothed" extends beyond the Masonic lodges. It is a symbol of our mental, emotional, and physical preparedness. It is about showing respect, being aware, and aligning ourselves suitably to the environment around us.
Looking back at my stint with Amex & Masters, I discovered a fascinating insight. Being "properly clothed" wasn't about the American Express suit; instead, it was about adapting to the environment.
Something as simple as swapping the suit for plain polo shirts, jeans, and work boots transformed my relationships with the store's staff and customers.
Would you believe if I told you that these minor changes in attire made a world of difference?
Imagine showing up at a black-tie event in singlet & shorts. Uncomfortable, right?
That's the awkwardness and alienation one might feel when not "properly clothed" – metaphorically or literally. My experience was no different. If I had stuck to my suit, I would have become a figurative fish out of water, alienating myself from the very people I was there to assist.
Have you heard about the infamous "Fake Tradie" political ads?
The backlash it faced was a stark reminder of how things can go south when there's a disconnect between the presenter and the audience. The actor in the ad, dressed as a tradesperson, couldn't fool the viewers, making it painfully evident that authenticity matters in how we present ourselves.
But when the stars align and you're "properly clothed," magic happens. You command attention. You bridge gaps. During my time at Amex with Masters, dressing like the staff and customers didn't just make me blend in; it showed my respect for their norms and fostered a sense of trust. It was authenticity in action.
Yet, there are those who ignore the importance of being "properly clothed," leading to a ripple effect of negative outcomes. The "Fake Tradie" ad, which aimed to resonate with everyday Australians, ended up facing a loss of credibility.
Repeated attempts by politicians to don high-visibility vests and hard hats, without genuine understanding or empathy, magnify the consequences of this oversight.
So, what's the fallout of such superficial attempts at being "properly clothed?" Alienation and eroded trust.
Neglecting the significance of being "properly clothed" can be like walking on thin ice.
It leads to a cycle of mistakes, ramifications, and hurt self-esteem. The environment's norms and expectations are not boxes to be ticked off but integral aspects of any successful interaction.
But there's a roadmap to steer clear of these pitfalls. Here are some tactics to embody the ethos of being "properly clothed":
Understand the Context: Adapt your attire and behavior to the environment.
Prepare: Gear up mentally and emotionally for what's ahead.
Show Respect: Your attire and actions should mirror your respect.
Stay Authentic: Balance your individuality with environmental adaptation.
Reflect and Learn: Use your past experiences as stepping stones.
So, being "properly clothed," as per the Masonic tradition, isn't merely about the physical attire. It's about preparation, respect, and authenticity, which together have the power to transform our interactions and lead us to success.