Unreasonable Freemasonry: Part 2
“Unreasonable Hospitality,” by Will Guidara is a book that has been on the Square & Compass radar since we started watching the much lauded and amazing show “The Bear.”
In August 2024, we published “Unreasonable Freemasonry,” in which we reviewed several of Will Guidara’s interviews and media appearances during which he provided insights into “Unreasonable Hospitality” (as a concept) and considered how these insights can apply to or enhance the masonic experience.
“Unreasonable hospitality involves seeking out ways to create extraordinary experiences by giving people more than they could ever possibly expect or imagine.”
Since publishing “Unreasonable Freemasonry,” we tracked down our copy of “Unreasonable Hospitality” and devoured (an apt metaphor) the work in just two days.
If the interviews and media appearances noted above were the appetisers, the book itself was and is the main course, and a delicious main course at that! Maybe not delicious…maybe “insightful” is the better adjective.
Either way…the book is amazing and provides many insights which are of value to masonic leadership (as we posted on our social media).
Adding to our enjoyment of the book was that we read it in one of our favourite places in the world-Glenview, Il and particularly on the terrace of the Glenview Public Library!
We also took a break from the book to try one of Cousin Richie’s favourite Chicago foods, a deep dish pizza from Pequod’s (if you know you know)!
Below, we review what we consider to be the most valuable insights from the book (with a Masonic perspective).
If you read “Unreasonable Hospitality,” let us know what you thought of and the insights you derived from the book.
Know Why Your Work is Important
In the book, Will Guidara discusses the value of knowing and understanding why your work is important.
Freemasonry is no different.
This is true in both a “micro” and “macro” sense.
How many Freemasons understand the “importance” of such mundane tasks as the “reading of the minutes,” “reviewing correspondence,” or even the “paying of bills?” These “boring” administrative tasks are nonetheless important (in fact vital) to the well functioning of a masonic lodge or body, as it ensures a lodge is financially sound and operating in a manner that respects its membership and the larger community.
How many Freemasons understand the importance of administrative tasks related to our Grand Lodge communications, dispensations, etc? Grand Lodge administrative tasks, including maintaining the necessary records and documents, are important as they ensure a consistent Lodge experience across a jurisdiction, provide financial stability for a jurisdiction, and ensure Masonic Lodge ritual and practices remain standard across the jurisdiction (as well as protecting again clandestine or improper Masonic bodies that may seek to take advantage of membership).
In the “macro” sense, how many Freemasons understand the importance of Freemasonry?
How many understand why it is important that Freemasonry exists?
Do you know why Freemasonry is important?
Do you know about the proven health benefits for those engaged with social groups (especially for older individuals)?
Do you know about the charitable works done by and for Freemasons?
Do you know how many Members (and families) have a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs due to the masonic benevolence and charity?
Do you know about the connections between strong communities and strong masonic lodges?
We, at Square & Compass Promotions, have taken great efforts to educate masonic membership and the public regarding the above questions and more generally on the importance of Freemasonry because we believe that everyone needs to know why the work of Freemasonry is important…and it is work!
“It Might Not Work” Is A Terrible Reason Not to Try
This may be the most valuable insight contained within “Unreasonable Hospitality!”
In Freemasonry, the famous Past Master’s statement is: “that’s now how we did it in my day!”
We are often afraid to try out of the fear it will not work. While fear of failure is real, very often that fear blinds us to exciting possibilities.
Our homes (Windsor Masonic Temple and Essex County District) have engaged in numerous initiatives and efforts. They also rededicated itself to growing struggling lodges such as Border Cities Lodge. Some of the other successful initiatives include “For The Next 100 Years,” a January 2024 Public Unveiling, opening Masonic Temple space for local artists, “Coffee with a Cop,” “Coffee with a Firecrew,” and more.
During the pandemic, when masonic bodies and lodges were required to find new ways to engage, Harmony Lodge №579 used virtual meeting spaces to invite guest speakers from around the world, as well as took part in a virtual beer and cheese tasting, and a virtual whiskey tasting. As we had never done these things before, many felt they would not work…but “it might not work” is a terrible reason not to try!
Listen to Every Idea
This insight connects very closely to the former. It is so easy to dismiss ideas out of hand because (wait for it…) “they might not work.”
Listening to an idea costs time; however, think of that cost as an investment that could pay-off in future. Even if the initial idea is not feasible, it may contain elements of a better idea in future.
Also, from a Lodge administration perspective, a Worshipful Master or Past Master taking the time to listen to the idea of a more junior member (even an Entered Apprentice) will build trust between junior members and lodge administration, make junior members feel part of the masonic lodge or body, and will increase junior members confidence.
Excellence is the Culmination of Thousands of Details Executed Perfectly
This insight equals one of our favourite statements by Vincent van Gogh:
- “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
For a Masonic Lodge or Body to run excellently, a thousand (or thousands) or details need to be executed perfectly. These details include (but are not limited to): ritual details; administrative details; communication details; building or temple details; and more!
Most don’t realise the thousands of details that go into making a lodge run (or the perfection required to make a lodge run excellently).
Details matter, and executing details perfectly matters too.
Choose Conflicting Possibilities
This insight may seem counter-intuitive, but it may actually be the most useful.
Many times, Masonic lodges or bodies seem to face Faustian bargains between conflicting possibilities.
- Is it possible to increase membership and increase dues?
- Is it possible to complete masonic administrative tasks and create an enjoyable business meeting experience?
- Is it possible to provide “high-end” masonic experiences and banquets and save money and lower the budget?
It is possible to resolve these conflicts! As “Unreasonable Hospitality” notes:
- “Southwest Airlines, for instance, set out to be both the lowest-cost airline in America and number one in both customer and employee satisfaction. These goals would seem to be in opposition, and perhaps they are. But much of the time, they’ve succeeded at all three. Certainly, the efforts they made toward those contradictory goals have done wonders for their bottom line: for the last half century, Southwest has been the most profitable airline in [the USA].”
Masonic Lodges can provide a high-quality experience and lower costs. Masonic Lodges can complete all necessary business and create a compelling meeting experience. Masonic Lodges can increased membership and dues!
You Need To Be As Unreasonable In How You Build Your Team As You Are in How You Build Your Product or Experience
Translation: Guard the West Gate!
Building a successful masonic experience is of vital importance, but no more so than building the team that will deliver that experience.
Many jurisdictions have focused more effort on the candidate or applicant selection process, but encouraging Masonic lodges to spend several months getting to know an applicant before proceeding with his initiation, making sure that the applicant is or will be a good fit for the Lodge (and vice-versa). It is far too easy to accept an application without the due diligence required to understand if the candidate is the right fit for the Lodge.
Conclusion
At its core, “Unreasonable Hospitality” is about caring for people.
At its core, Freemasonry is about caring for people too.
It’s cool to care!
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any Masonic group.
