Are You a Golden Rule Leader?

I recently had to withdraw from a long-term client. It made me sad, but it was necessary because I found myself in conflict with a personal value that I hold dear—The Golden Rule.

In the early days it was exciting to be part of the meteoric rise of the company. There were many obstacles to be overcome, and everyone pulled together to achieve impressive success. There was a sense of belonging to something special that was both invigorating and fulfilling.

A few years later cracks started to appear in the excitement and joy. Rapid financial success was intoxicating, and intoxicated people often start to stumble. Over time the company culture shifted to a singular focus on making more money as quickly as possible. People were treated like interchangeable cogs in a money-making machine. Some of the better leaders began exiting the company, and theft and fraud began to feel like the natural order of things in this “every man for himself” culture.

I get a great deal of joy from treating others like I want to be treated. The Golden Rule is a part of nearly all the major philosophies and religions, and caring relationships with others is one of the four major sources of happiness. It comes naturally to us humans because we are “pack” animals that are biologically wired this way to insure our survival. This trait comes standard in us from birth unless we override it with some kind of thinking that tells us not to do it—like a focus on short-term profits

This is especially important for leaders because of the outsized power and control they have in the company. Their values become the values of the company. A leader can get away with mistreating others for a while, but this behavior always results in harm to people and profits sooner or later.

How about you? Are you enjoying the personal and financial advantages of being a Golden Rule leader?

Don’t be a stranger. (770) 993-1129. tdockery@TheResolveFirm.com