The Golden Rule Gets a Makeover: Why Your Team Needs This Shift

We've all grown up hearing the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you'd like to be treated." It's been drilled into us since kindergarten, right? Well, here's the thing — I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as our team at Cloud Business Services has grown and evolved. And honestly? That old Golden Rule has a pretty big flaw.

The problem is simple: Not everyone is just like you.

I know, I know. It sounds obvious when you say it out loud. But how often do we actually act like we know this? How many times have you assumed your colleague wants the same communication style you do, or that they process information the same way you do?

Time for a New Golden Rule

Here's what I've learned through years of building teams and working with clients: We need to adopt a new Golden Rule. Ready for it?

"Treat others as they'd like to be treated."

It's a small shift in words, but it's a massive shift in mindset. And trust me, it changes everything.

Putting This Into Practice

So how do we actually do this? How do we move from theory to action in our day-to-day work? Let me walk you through it.

1. Challenge Your Assumptions

First things first — you need to get real with yourself. Start asking, "Are my assumptions based on my own experiences and preferences at work?"

For example, maybe you love quick Slack messages throughout the day. You find them energizing and efficient. But your colleague? They might find them disruptive and prefer a single, detailed email at the start of the day. Neither approach is wrong — they're just different.

I've caught myself doing this more times than I can count. I'm a morning person who loves diving into complex problems first thing. But not everyone on my team operates that way, and that's perfectly okay.

2. Ask Questions — And Actually Listen

Here's where the magic happens. Instead of assuming, start asking. And I mean really asking, not just going through the motions.

Try questions like:

• "How do you prefer to communicate?"

• "In what format do you need the information about this project?"

• "What does your ideal workday look like?"

• "How do you like to receive feedback?"

And then — this is crucial — really listen to the answers. Don't just wait for your turn to talk. Don't mentally prepare your response while they're speaking. Actually absorb what they're telling you.

3. Find the Common Ground

Now, I'm not saying you need to completely reshape how you work to accommodate everyone's preferences. That's not realistic, and frankly, it's not sustainable.

But here's what you can do: Look for the common denominator. Find that sweet spot where both of your needs can be met.

You might not be able to agree on everything, but try agreeing on just one thing. Maybe you prefer video calls and your colleague prefers email. Could you compromise with a quick video check-in at the start of a project, followed by email updates throughout?

A small win-win will make both of you feel respected and seen. And that feeling? It's the foundation of great teamwork.

Why This Matters

I've seen this approach transform working relationships. When people feel truly understood and accommodated, they show up differently. They're more engaged, more creative, more willing to go the extra mile.

And in our world — whether you're running a bookkeeping firm like me or managing any kind of team — that difference is everything.

The old Golden Rule wasn't wrong, exactly. It just wasn't complete. It assumed we're all the same, that what works for me will work for you. But the beauty of a great team is in the diversity of perspectives, working styles, and approaches.

So this week, I challenge you: Pick one person you work with regularly. Ask them one question about how they prefer to work. Listen to their answer. And then try to honour it.

It's a small step, but I promise you, it's a powerful one.

Until next time,