Masonry Magazine April 1998 Page. 10
Masonry
By Michael Adelizzi
Excutive Director
LEADERS
A multi billion dollar industry, masonry has provided a great living for the thousands employed in it. But it's only a few who have given back to the industry by volunteering their time, money and effort to build the masonry industry into a thriving marketplace, often to the detriment of their own company's profitability. These people are true leaders.
What exactly is leadership and how do we find it in people? After all, no one sets out to become a leader. Often times, we view leaders in terms of financial success. Those individuals with the largest company, the largest bank account, the greatest athletic ability, the highest grade point average, the most popularity or the greatest name appeal. However, leaders don't always fit that profile. In fact, quite often the true leaders are not who we think at all. Many leaders are not in the forefront, they are not the ones most interviewed on television. The true leaders are often behind the scenes influencing others and the direction a group goes in. They are most often in a support role. After all, how far can an army advance and win a battle without the supply sergeant? How many times have we heard that the real leader on a sports team was one of the role players who was not the star player?
There are several qualities that often exist in leaders. Integrity, diplomacy, the ability to learn from their own mistakes, consistency, and tenacity are often qualities most sited. Leaders are individuals who bring integrity and vision to the organization and the capacity to build common ground with others to reach a vision.
The masonry industry has faced many adversities during the past few years. Workforce shortages, inroads by competitive construction methods, government intervention and unscrupulous competitors are some of the issues faced by the industry. The following article is a spotlight on just few masonry industry individuals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the industry and who have helped build a brighter masonry industry in the face of this adversity.
These individuals are the very reason why the masonry industry remains a very viable industry in which to earn a living.
Two years ago, Masonry Magazine spotlighted several individuals who have worked tirelessly and selflessly in building a stronger more viable industry for everyone. Often times, these individuals volunteer their time, pay for their own expenses to attend meetings or industry events, and in most cases neglect their own businesses for the greater good of the masonry industry. These very people strongly believe that the masonry industry has been good to them, their companies, and employees. They have chosen to give back to the industry and future generations of mason contractors and employees.
The individuals highlighted in this issue are not the only leaders dedi-Continued on next page
No One Sets Out to Become a Leader. Often Times Individuals Have a Deep Desire to Make Our Industry a Better Place in Which to Earn a Living. Just by The Act of Becoming Involved, we Become Leaders
Donald Larsen President,
Mason Contractors
Association of America