Planning our Personal and Masonic Trestleboards

Good men, who the Rough Ashlar symbolically represents, knock on the door of Freemasonry in search of self-improvement and being useful to others. They are primarily seeking to be transformed and purposefully embark on that faithful journey to become the best version of themselves, a destination symbolically represented by the Perfect Ashlar. Those rough stones, who are made of quality material, choose, "of their own free will and accord," to step forward into the unknown in search of Light, guidance, knowledge and support on that life-changing road ahead. For those perfect stones to be revealed, it takes a plan of action and a defined roadmap to make purposeful progress toward that desired destination. To understand the transformation just highlighted, we must thoroughly consider a third Masonic symbol: the Trestleboard.  

An example of a Masonic Trestleboard

Grounded in the skill and discipline of architecture and geometry, our fore-brothers employed a plan or design to transform an idea or vision into a finished building, castle or cathedral. The Trestleboard represents that plan, design or map, which outlines the steps and milestones along with the talents, skills and resources needed to successfully bring their vision to life. As Speculative Freemasons, the Trestleboard remains a critical symbol in our lives as we seek to plan the future for ourselves and the fraternity. 

As Freemasons, how are we using the symbol of the Trestleboard today to transform our lives and advance the legacy of our ancient and honorable fraternity? Keep in mind that the designs or plans outlined on the Trestleboard delineate the efficient and effective use of resources (e.g., worker talents, strengths and abilities along with time and money) to generate desired outcomes and positive results. We begin by asking these foundational questions, "why are we embarking on this journey?" or "What is the purpose?" Another valuable question in our arsenal is, "What does success look like?" 

With those answers gathered, we can address "How" to get from where we are now and arrive at that envisioned future or defined outcome. We develop ideas, ask additional questions, and evaluate options regarding the exact steps or actions needed. With all that preparation work done, we can finalize the designs to place on the Trestleboard and get to work building. 

To illuminate this concept further, let's dive into the "Three Primary Levels of Planning" that benefit our Brethren, Lodges and fraternity. 

Planning Level #1 – Individual Tasks, Projects, Events and Meetings

At this level, we are focused on getting things done that have a clearly defined beginning and end. For example, to have successful degree conferral experience, the Lodge officers must assemble a team of proficient Brethren who can execute the various roles to deliver a quality experience for the candidate on the date and time selected. The required materials and equipment must be identified and provided so the ceremony progresses smoothly. All of the details must be planned and executed to achieve a successful degree conferral experience for the candidate and Brethren present. 

An important discipline should be implemented at this planning level – Prepare, Execute, and Follow Up or Follow Through. To complete every task, project, event or meeting, draw the designs on the Trestleboard for the details on how to prepare, then those needed to execute the specific actions during, and finally outline the follow-up steps afterward. Using those three planning phases will increase the probability of repeatable success. 

Planning Level #2 – You (including your combined Professional, Personal and Civic Life)

As good men who seek to live purposefully and productively, we have several priorities that span the professional, personal and civic parts of our lives. Each of those areas require plans to progress toward our life's goals. A best practice is managing all of those priorities and the associated planning work from one combined Trestleboard or plan. Why? Because you are a whole person, and all your allocation of scarce resources (including time and money) are best managed through one wide lens. Here, we invoke the symbol of the 24-inch gauge, a valued Masonic working tool. Regardless of our periodic desire for more, we all have just 24 hours per day. 

Assuming that we get 8 hours of sleep daily, we are left with 16 waking hours to allocate toward advancing the various priorities in our lives. Let's widen that lens. A best practice is to view your time allocation or "capacity to produce" weekly; therefore, you are working with 112 waking hours (16 hours times seven days a week). With that bigger bucket of time to allocate, you have more mental room to plan. You can better see the space to consistently dedicate 5 hours per week to study and practice your ritual work and use 10 hours per week for general reading activities that incorporate career, work, and Masonic topics, amongst many more. Next, if you have a family, then include those priorities and activities in your wholistic plan and time allocation outlined on your Personal Trestleboard. Further, as you take on and advance in Masonic leadership roles, it is critical to get the support of your family so that you can allocate the required time needed for your ongoing learning and development, management activities, and leadership responsibilities. 

Planning Level #3 - Your Lodge and the Fraternity

At this level, you are dealing with significantly greater complexity. Why? Because you have increased the number of people involved, you have an additional entity that needs to thrive and survive and a larger volume of tasks, projects, events and meetings to execute. Embrace that complexity and use your Masonic or organizational Trestleboard as a valued tool and discipline. 

First, since "Hope" is not an effective strategy, create a written plan to document and manage that complexity. Share a draft of that plan with the key people involved in executing the work outlined in the plan. In a Lodge, share the plan with the Brethren and welcome their feedback. Your plan or Trestleboard is not a document you frame and put on a wall; it is alive and should be updated and refreshed regularly. Therefore, monitor and track the progress of the priorities, activities, events, projects and meetings outlined on this Trestleboard. Provide updates on the plan's progress through regular update communications, especially during Lodge meetings. Lastly, celebrate success as a team for the positive results achieved; don't overlook that last step! Remember, there are no small jobs, just work that needs to get done per the designs on the Trestleboard. The Brother who took out the trash after dinner and the other who performed a long lecture during the degree ceremony both contributed to making the overall Masonic event a true success. Recognize the work done by all.

Planning is a skill that is improved by acquiring knowledge and through dedicated practice! The time investment to learn and develop planning skills is critical to the positive advancement of your personal Masonic Journey of Self-Improvement. It is a cornerstone of the exceptional work we accomplish together as Freemasons that benefits our families, workplace, communities and beloved fraternity. 

Throughout the ages, the Master Architects did the work to draw the designs on the Trestleboard for fellow craftsmen to read and execute. Only those Brethren who attained true mastery in the skills of building, planning, design and resource allocation were entrusted with this valuable work. In our progress in Freemasonry, we are taught the timeless lesson of what occurs when the Master Architect is unavailable, and no designs are placed on the Trestleboard. We encourage you to elevate your planning skill; it is essential to your future personal success and the longevity of our Speculative Craft of Builders. 

Lastly, to achieve the positive outcomes that we envision for every project we undertake, the priority aspects of our lives and the work of Illinois Freemasonry require us to thoughtfully and skillfully plan the future. We want to chart a transformational course to drive and achieve successful results. Invest the time and resources to improve your knowledge, skill and ability by executing the abovementioned planning levels. Through the powerful use of our Personal and Masonic Trestleboards, the future of Illinois Freemasonry will be built square, level and plumb. 

Now, grab a pen or keyboard, and get to work!

R.W.B Wayne Spooner

Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman