The Opposite of the Golden Rule

Everyone knows the Golden Rule which says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  A number of years ago my friend Tony Alessandra wrote about the Platinum Rule.  It is similar to the “rule” we’ve always known, but with a twist.  Tony’s version says, “Do unto others as they would want done unto them.”

Recently I heard a third version.  I’m not sure what to call it.  It is a reversal, or the opposite, of the Golden rule.  It says, “Don’t do unto others what you would not want done unto you.”

Sometimes it’s what we don’t do that are just as important, if not even more so, than the do’s.  It may even be what we don’t do that defines the type of person we are or the relationship we want to have with someone; a customer, colleague, friend, etc.

For example, don’t talk bad about anyone.  Don’t be late.  Don’t lie.  Don’t miss deadlines. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.  The list can go on and on.  These are some of the things we don’t or shouldn’t do that help us build a relationship of trust, sincerity and integrity.

So, what do you not do that helps you build relationships with your customers and colleagues?