The Golden Rule

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Effective Leaders treat others the way they would like to be treated. They are individuals who have: 

1. The ability to accept people as they presently are, not just as the leader would like them to be. Though effective leaders see the potential in their people – and encourage movement toward that potential – they are careful to also show love and acceptance now. Sometimes it is easier to see the future potential in someone than to show them acceptance today.

2. The capacity to approach relationships in terms of the present rather than the past. They do not allow past deficiencies skew an accurate assessment of the facts today.

3. The ability to give people they work with at least the same level of courtesy, and kind attention, that they extend to strangers and friendly acquaintances.

4. The ability to put their trust in others, especially when delegating a task that involves significant risk.

5. The ability, and inner confidence, to do without the constant approval and recognition of those around them.