No, I’m not talking about the 1989 Spike Lee classic (though some folks could use a refresher course right about now thanks to the political climate), I’m talking about the Golden Rule.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Great way to live life isn’t it? It’s also a great way to conduct business as well. After all, ‘life’ includes all the people in it: your family, your clients, your friends, your employees, your vendors – everyone.
“To live a rich and abundant life, ask not what life can do for you, ask what you can do for the lives of others.” –Gary Amirault
This isn’t exactly Gordon Gecko “Greed is good.” – type of advice, but I guarantee it will make your business run smoother and it will put more good karma out into the universe, thus bringing more good karma back to you.
“The more you give away, the more you will receive.”
That’s another counter-intuitive proverb, but it’s actually true. And what you’ll receive is not only measured in monetary terms, it could be that what you receive is peace and happiness and love in return. Basically, you’ll just feel better about yourself, which by default, will make you easier to be around. Positive people will gravitate towards you and you’ll live a happier, more rewarding life.
It makes no sense to wake up and post some motivational, inspirational Facebook status or tweet, only to start your day by being the most vile and mean-spirited person you can be. If you are an entrepreneur, consultant or business person of any kind, you will soon see your client roster diminish, the phone will cease to ring, and people will begin to recoil at your presence, or worse, not come around at all.
If you’re trying to launch a new business or start off as a consultant after a layoff, being plain old nasty and selfish is a definite recipe for disaster.
Do the next right thing. All the time.
Here are some simple suggestions to apply the Golden Rule that can lead to greater happiness and profitability for yourself and/or your business:
- Be flexible with your staff’s schedules and show appreciation.
- Don’t be the manager that you used to hate.
- Don’t hover over your employees shoulders or micromanage
- Be tactful with your words. Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.
- Be a good listener, don’t just wait for your turn to speak.
- Be respectful, polite and honest.
- Be responsive and timely when returning phone calls or emails.
- Keep your promises to everyone
- Be kind, rewind. Look back on your day and ask yourself what could you have done better. Make amends if necessary.
- Empathize. Picture yourself in your client’s, staff’s, or vendor’s shoes: What would you want to happen or how would you want to be treated?
“Strong leaders are people who can attract other talented and smart individuals around them,” he said. “Like-minded people with similar morals and ethics are generally attracted to each other. Successful companies are the companies that have strong leadership. Smart people are not going to follow ruthless leaders. There are exceptions, but by some arcane application of logic, nice guys should finish first or at least not last.”
– Dave Dailey at Silicon Valley Bank
As business people, we should strive to be as fair as possible simply because it is the right thing to do. We should treat people the way we want to be treated. It is the way we need to try to live our lives regardless of what others do. – Barry Moltz
I’m sure that there are tons of successful, rich guys who are miserable people who did terrible things or treated people poorly in order to achieve their success. It doesn’t mean you have to be that way. Ultimately, whether you come in first or last, you have to live with yourself. I just feel better about myself when I do the right thing and to me that’s all that matters. Use your super powers for good – the world will thank you for it.
Resources:
Do Good Guys Finish Last in Business?
https://barrymoltz.com/rants/managing-your-small-business/do-good-guys-finish-last-in-business/
The Golden Rule of Business
https://www.naijapreneur.com/the-golden-rule-of-business/
_________________________________________________________________
Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon’s logo and identity work was selected to be published in “Typography and Enclosures” the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.
Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact:ramon@peraltadesign.com
Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design