I assume we have all heard of the golden rule.  In fact, I feel like I should be capitalizing the words The Golden Rule.   The rule goes, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Please take a moment to think about this rule.  What comes to mind after you thought about?

I think of my quick verbal cuts at people, wars, marriages, salespeople, business owners, not forgiving, lost friendships, automobile horns in traffic, Jesus dying on the cross,  jumping on a live grenade, saying “thank you,” tipping for services, complimenting others and extra jalapenos on my burger.

Since I have mentioned Zig Ziglar quotes in my last couple of blogs, I shall again with, “You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”  This may briefly be summarized with the question, “How can we expect respect if we never show others respect?” (Summarized with a question? Does that make sense?)  In the Bible it says, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31(NLT)  It is not called the Golden Rule in the Bible, but it is in there.

Does this rule still apply in business?   What if employees and employers treated each other how they would want to be treated?  How would attitudes and energy levels and pay look?  Would compliments push gossip out the door?

In Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership book he mentions how the rule is used is asked in all situations at his business.  How would this look apply when someone is let go from the business?  In the chapter Business Is Easy . . . Until People Get Involved, Dave says, “Regardless of the reason for the release, treat people right and with kindness.  You are in control and you still have a job; they have neither, so be kind.”  To hear an excellent overview of this topic, check out the Entreleadership podcast episode on the Golden Rule in business.

I see the Golden Rule as the master key the janitor carries.  The key that opens all the doors.  It can be used to open up and clean the dirty rooms and open up doors that we did not know even existed.  We will find more floors to the building as we keep opening doors!

K, bye

What room do you need to take this key to?

Note: As of writing this blog I have not read any of Zig Ziglar’s books, but I have listened to a few of his audio recordings many times over which you can get for free by signing up for Ziglar’s free newsletter here.  I also suggest his podcast here.