The Golden Rule simply states the following: treat others as you want to be treated. It is
an adage instilled into our very being as young children, but becomes difficult to follow as we
attempt to involve ourselves in more complex situations that present threats to our own success.
Leaders often face the issue of prioritizing others when working to find distinction for
themselves. While successful leaders need to remain influential figures for the cause of which
they are leading, they cannot forget that they would fail to be a leader in the absence of their
followers’ support. They strive to keep the Golden Rule in mind by listening to multiple
perspectives and thoughtfully incorporating them into their plans for subsequent action. In
response, they formulate decisions that wholesomely address the concerns of everyone involved
in a particular organization or community with respect, dignity, and adherence to their specific
cause.
True leaders constantly remember that they are powerless without the assistance of
others. They do not abuse their position by utilizing their inherent authority to belittle their
constituents. Instead, they direct others towards pathways of empowerment to in turn receive
guidance themselves. As Harvey S. Firestone said, “The growth and development of people is
the highest calling of leadership.” People who lead with forcefulness and the sole intention of
gaining omnipotence will never be leaders. Leaders are those who yearn to make a difference for
everyone in the world, even when it jeopardizes their own reputation.
Furthermore, leaders respect their supporters and bestow credit upon them before taking
any glory for themselves. Along with displaying respect towards their followers, they take into
account a multitude of adverse beliefs and attitudes to decide upon conflicts with an objective
frame of mind. Leaders continually work with others to devise propositions that work towards
the greater good, opposed to looking out for their specific own needs or desires. They develop a
solid rapport with their people to solve affairs within their jurisdiction as efficiently as possible.
A leader is not someone who thinks of how he or she can rise up in the ranks, but rather a person
who ponders upon how he or she can help others in times of tribulation.
When people feel a sense of stability and care within one’s leadership, they are open to
offering protection to one who is leading. Leaders receive help that is not required, but rather
offered by people who buttress the aforementioned leader’s platform. People who feel that their
opinions and ideas are actively being heard by a leader, are more apt to contribute to the one who
is in charge. Additionally, genuine leaders do not blame others for mistakes made under their
leadership. They take complete responsibility for their transgressions although the action might
bring shame upon them. When leadership is assumed in such a transparent way, people tend to be
understanding of flaws within leaders’ judgement. Thus, constituents can give counsel to their
leaders amongst a world of chaos. Leaders with open minds will not resist any aid, but rather use
it to compose thoughtful plans of guidance for their entire community.
Keeping the Golden Rule in mind, leaders are willing to offer counsel as much as they are
willing to receive guidance from others. Leaders do not place themselves upon pedestals, but
rather humble themselves below their people. Although leaders may be superior advocates for a
cause, they do not hold themselves accountable for achievement that occurs; they honor their
subjects over themselves and recognize that everyone must work together to elicit positive
growth. Striving to gain a holistic perspective, they listen to the lowliest of opinions and
integrate everyone’s feelings into their decisions. Throughout the world, several people in
positions of authority feel that leadership is equivalent to tyranny. They fail to listen to cries of
help from those in poverty and make decisions based on their own desires. Leaders are not
people who strive for power, but they are people who strive to help others succeed to the best of
their abilities. They do not receive distinction because they focus on trying to get it for
themselves, but they are recognized for actions of selflessness that work towards the
improvement of everyone. In tandem with the Golden Rule, leaders are treated with success and
respect when they respect others and prioritize the success of an entire people.