Finn can speak more on this subject if he catches it. We've had brothers stop attending rather than cause strife & add stress in lodge. We have an Amaranth Court locally that is in the same boat currently where two officers are back to back that cannot seem to get along. Sadly they are former Elected State officers.

wow, that's shocking. I was recently raised in October, and I get the sense everyone gets along great, even when they vote differently. We're a Blue lodge, so perhaps they make an extra effort. I can't imagine two officers having such bad energy, and bringing other members into it. Seem contradictory to everything Masonry stands for.

HARMONY

Thats it... learn it, love it, live it ;-)

Here are a few words of wisdom to any WM-elect. They were not written by me - but taken from another board generally free of conspiracy nuts - so I wont post a link to the source..
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1. You can't please everyone all the time, but you can find a balance somewhere. That said, don't get caught in the doldrums.

2. If an officer or member does something good for the lodge, thank them three times: in person, in front of the members at a festive board or meeting, and in your monthly notice. This goes a loooong way and shows that the member's efforts are appreciated.

3. At any spare moment, re-read and re-memorize the ritual for openings and closings. Set an example for the lodge.

4. If you've asked an officer or member to do something, followup in a friendly, supportive tone.

5. If you meet in a large lodge room, speak as loudly as you can.

6. Smile lots. Lots.

7. Don't be afraid to crack the odd joke in lodge during a meeting. It loosens up the room and makes the evening more enjoyable.

8. Keep a journal of each meeting and event and record your thoughts on what worked and what needs improvement.

9. Press the skin. Before every meeting, shake hands and greet everyone. Everyone. After festive board, try to shake hands and say goodbye to everyone and thank them for coming.

10. If there are mumblings and grumblings from members who don't offer solutions, don't get distracted, continue on as you were with your plan.

11. The night before a meeting, sit and visualize how the meeting will go, based on your agenda.

12. There will be surprises. Don't make a reactionary decision. Be calm.

a) A member may bring forward an idea such as a charity project or event and try to have the lodge support it on the spot. Unless there is a comprehensive plan and it was pre-approved by the officers, thank the brother for his input and ask him to discuss it with you after the meeting or some other time.

b) A member may make an inappropriate statement in lodge regarding the efforts or lack of effort of another brother or officer. This is unmasonic and should be dealt with outside the lodge. Don't be afraid to tell the member in private your thoughts to prevent this from happening again. Don't make threats though.

13. Keep meetings to a nice flow and pace.

14. Let your officers handle the details of the lodge, but ensure they are being done. The best scenario is when the officer simply let's you know it was done. Thank him for it.

15. Solve contentious issues before they get out of hand.

16. Know the basics of Robert Rules of Order... motions, notice of motions, amendments, friendly amendments. Usually, a member can only speak once to an issue, unless he is asked a question by another member. If an amendment motion is brought forth, the member may now speak on the the amendment. That said, as chair, it's your duty to ensure that a good level of debate is maintained.

17. Before your year begins, ensure the officers know their duties to a T so there's no confusion.

18. You will get a lot more phone calls and emails. Deal with them promptly.

19. Enjoy the job. If you don't, everyone will notice and the lodge will suffer.

20. Have some Masonic words of wisdom or educational tidbit to say at meeting or festive board that tie into your theme for the year. Oh, did I mention, have a theme the brethren can unite or learn from.

21. Seek advice and clarifications from Past Masters and others. They are your greatest resource.

22. Masons in general are tolerant perfectionists when it comes to the ritual and running the lodge. Demand only the best from yourself and raise the bar, but don't forget that this is a volunteer organization and not a corporation.

23. Have something substantive other than the usual business at a meeting. A 5-10 minute research paper has more substance than you realize. Invite brethren to come forward with ideas on any presentations they may have.

24. Don't make the meetings go too late. If there's a lot on the agenda, table something to the next meeting if possible.

25. Pass on anything you've learned onto the next guy.

The Source is a thread from T3Ps