Golden Rule, Has It Shifted or Changed?
A better question might be, “Should it?” Nearly everyone is familiar with the golden rule. Most people will suggest it represents treating others the way you would like to be treated.
Some people connect the golden rule with religious sentiments. Regardless of where or how you see the connection, has this rule changed?
Is treating others the way you would like to be treated still a good approach?
What are the expectations of others, are their expectations similar or different?
Everyone wants respect, but how is respect shown or illustrated? Is it being left to your own outcomes or is it getting a helping hand from someone else? Could it be based on your values and beliefs and if so, are those values and beliefs shared or mutually agreed upon?
The golden rule is tricky. On one hand it seems to make sense, yet, on another, it may not be a good rule.
Everyone Wants
Most people want, expect, or at least appreciate, being treated with kindness. I’ve seen a t-shirt or bumper sticker with the expression, “Mean people suck.” Of course, a bumper sticker isn’t any form of scientific measurement or evaluation, but they do sometimes resonate with others.
People want a chance to express themselves, they want to be able to voice their opinion without consequence or retaliation.
Most people want a chance to prove their value or worth. They want to contribute and in times of doubt, be given some leniency.
In short, they want a chance to live life as they see it.
Golden Rule
Does this all fit into the golden rule?
Not really.
The golden rule is based on your own values, beliefs, and opinions. Those are not necessarily consistent with others position on life.
Maybe the golden rule should be tweaked a little. Maybe it should be a little more of treating others the way they would like to be treated.
Freedom of choices or expressions. True freedom of speech, not just what fits a certain guideline. The benefit of the doubt, or acceptance of differences.
It seems like a simple rule. The golden one.
Yet, it may be much more complex than most people recognize. It often fits when it fits, and doesn’t when it doesn’t.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
