The golden rule and success

The golden rule can help keep you centered as you pursue success.

The golden rule values and success

The Golden Rule states, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The essence of the principle is that we should treat everyone with the same universal respect and goodwill that we want extended to ourselves. 

In reverse, this does not mean that if someone treats you terribly that they are setting an example of how they would like to be treated. How often have you thought or heard, "If that's how they are going to treat me then they are going to get the same (or worse) right back." When faced with ill treatment our natural response is to get defensive and even to retaliate. Such reciprocal action drags ourselves away from our values. Taking the higher road is a commitment to operate with high standards regardless of the results. 

This does not mean that we endure or allow abuse. We also want to set a standard of both how we will treat others as well as how we expect them to treat us. The golden rule should not be manipulated by others to enable them to trample over you as a person and a professional. In a business setting this can be a helpful tool when a team member is being mishandled by a client. "Dear client, our company works hard to follow the golden rule and would request that you do the same. If we cannot treat each other with this universal standard of respect then we will have to rethink our working relationship." 

Applying the golden rule requires us to empathize with those we are serving. We should be asking how this person thinks, perceives the relationship and would like to be treated. We want to be considered as individuals as do those we interact with. Taking time to listen, observe and apply the knowledge that we gain enables us to adapt to optimize our personal as well as professional relationships. 

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