ChristLike Leadership (ePub)

ATTITUDE 1

FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE

"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you."

Luke 6:31 NASB

From the time we first attend Sunday school, we are taught the single most important lesson about how to become an effective leader. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Of course, it is a nonspecific idea at the time. Our parents and church teachers persuade us that it is a good idea—one that will always stand us in good stead. For many of us, the suggestion that the Golden Rule works for all situations in all circumstances takes many years to discover.

This principle of Jesus speaks of relationships between people. It says that in order to treat other people exactly how we want to be treated, we are not to seek advantage over them at their expense. It places the burden of a relationship on us. It bases the success of the outcome of any challenge on us and not on the actions of others.

How should we treat our family members, our neighbors, our friends, our acquaintances, our coworkers, our bosses? We should treat them exactly like we want them to treat us ... with respect, with compassion, with understanding, with generosity of spirit, and with forgiveness.

When we take a leadership role in putting Jesus' rule into practice, we can make a difference in our world. When we make the attitude of the Golden Rule a part of our daily lives, we will entice those from all walks of life to follow our lead, whether we are managing a complex software development project, building a space station, constructing a bridge, running a nonprofit fundraiser, or coaching a girls' soccer team.