The Golden Rule Works Here Too

Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization's success.

Managers are integral to achieving the company's goals, and their leadership style significantly influences team performance. Here we examine how the golden rule, which states that you should treat others as you would have them treat you, may be applied to management and how it can lead to better leadership outcomes.

This principle has been around for millennia and has applications beyond human relationships. When applied to leadership, the golden rule is a guiding concept for managers to lead their teams effectively.

You Should Treat Others Like You Want to be Treated
Managers should treat their team members respectfully while in a leadership setting. They may establish a productive and encouraging work atmosphere that inspires and encourages their team by demonstrating empathy and understanding.

By treating others as they would like to be treated, managers demonstrate to their team what behavior is acceptable and expected, setting an excellent example for the rest of the team to follow.

When managers consistently treat their team members with respect and fairness, they increase trust within the team, leading to improved collaboration and communication.

Do Not Ask Your Team to do Anything You Would Not do Yourself
One of the most notable advantages of using the golden rule in leadership is that it stops managers from asking their teams to perform things they are not comfortable doing; this leadership style fosters a sense of justice and equality. Managers who lead by example exhibit their dedication to the team's success and build a healthy work environment.

Maintain the Same Level of Expectations and Accountability for Yourself
The golden rule expects managers to have the same expectation and accountability as the rest of their team. Managers must be willing to accept responsibility for their actions and be accountable for the repercussions of their decisions.

The Advantages of Adopting the Golden Rule in Management
As a manager, following the golden rule will win your team's respect and establish a positive and harmonious work atmosphere. It will show a culture of trust, honesty, and open communication, leading to increased team morale, work satisfaction, and productivity.

This approach encourages your team to reciprocate the conduct, which leads to fewer disagreements and more significant team connections. So, it's not just about being a decent person but also about fostering an excellent work atmosphere that benefits everyone in the long term.

The golden rule is a classic notion that has shown to be an exceptional management technique. Middle managers may establish a good and supportive work atmosphere that encourages and inspires their team by adhering to this rule.

By setting a high bar for their team and holding themselves accountable, managers may build a culture of responsibility and accountability inside the entity. Thus, the golden rule has proven to be a powerhouse tool to lead teams with finesse and achieve goals like a pro.

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Nick Anderson has been a student of leadership for 30 years beginning the day he received a novel “Leadership Award” from his U-12 soccer coach. During his 25-year career in banking Anderson led teams through mergers, acquisitions, bank failure, recessions and rapid growth while successfully managing the throes and pitfalls of being a middle manager. As a community volunteer Anderson led nonprofit organizations through periods of significant change as a board member, treasurer, vice president and board chair. Learn more at Chosen-Leader.com.

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