That pesky Golden Rule

We all know what it is......right? There are several variations, but the meaning is always the same:

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

That's it.

The older I get, the more I understand this and own it. Because when you think about it, it just makes good sense, and this basic idea can carry over into so many other areas......like:

1. Raising kids who eat vegetables. I don't have kids, but I'm pretty sure the best way to get your kids to eat their vegetables is to let them see you eating your vegetables.

2. Managing people. I don't manage people, but I really do believe that if you want to see a particular behavior in your employees, you'd be smart to display that same behavior without offering excuses about why you're exempt from such behavior.

3. Interacting with other humans. If you'd like to experience other humans who are pleasant and kind, it might be a good idea to be pleasant and kind, too.


And if I want you to accept me for who I am, then I need to accept you for who you are.....and what you believe......and what you think. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying - we don't need to agree....but we should really try to be respectful and kind.

Maybe my thinking is over-simplified.

Maybe.

And if I'm not right, I'm at least pretty close.