Rating: 
Summary: Return to the Golden Rule
Review: In a recent newspaper, in one day ... Enron chief pleads not guilty, Adelphia execs found guilty, no retrial in stock scandal ... and this was just the front page of the business section. On that same page, I noted the use of the phrase, "ethically amoral." Have we finally reached a point where we can construct such phrases? Corruption, moral relativism, the meaning of "is," have you had enough?
If you are looking for some insights into the problem and perhaps an alternative approach, here's your book, There's No Such Thing as "Business" Ethics. Maxwell writes, "...There's only ethics." Maxwell is right, and through interesting stories and common sense he argues for the adoption of the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
I read this book in hopes to validate my own research for my book, Swapping Lies! I felt that perhaps my call for a return of honor to the workplace was a bit too much, too naive. I was surprised to read that I am not the only one who feels this way. Maxwell is calling for the Golden Rule! Many will consider the Golden Rule a bit naïve in today's world, yet it is principle that successfully guides us in our business endeavors. A principled and focused leader is not naïve. In fact they are a constant source of strength and confidence to all. Spend just an hour to read this book. It may change you and your company.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Reminder
Review: Being in sales I have noticed something over the years. Some of the great sales training programs and literature always seem to stress integrity. For example, "Always follow up when you say you will." However, they also advocate all sorts of little white lies in dealing with customers and prospects in order to get your foot in the door. This is exactly the kind of "ethics" that John Maxwell is taking on in this book.It is refreshing to have Maxwell remind us that integrity goes much deeper than what is legal. His thesis is that a form of the Golden Rule, (Do unto to others, as you would have them do unto you,) is the only way to make tough, ethical decisions in any area of your life. One of the problems I had was that the book really is geared towards leaders of companies, and doesn't address what you are to do if you are caught in a situation where you really don't have any power over the decisions of the company, but you are forced to execute those decisions, even if they are unethical. He praises whistle-blowers, but he doesn't seem to openly advocate the practice. To his credit, Maxwell does state that using the Golden Rule will not always bring you success, but he states it as a kind of afterthought. His example of a high school football coach benching his players for underage drinking and then losing the big game because of their absence is hard to apply to a real life busniness situation. Having a tough sales deal on the line that can make or break the company and mean that you or people you work with or work under will lose their jobs, or their bonuses can be a little more stressful and make white lies, (especially when they are advocated by the higher-ups,) seem more inconsequential. And please understand that I am not saying that it makes them more right. Like most of Maxwell's books it lays out some great food for thought and it really will help you to think about your actions and how you conduct yourself. However, also like Maxwell's other books, it doesn't give you a clear roadmap of how to succeed in this area.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Reminder
Review: Being in sales I have noticed something over the years. Some of the great sales training programs and literature always seem to stress integrity. For example, "Always follow up when you say you will." However, they also advocate all sorts of little white lies in dealing with customers and prospects in order to get your foot in the door. This is exactly the kind of "ethics" that John Maxwell is taking on in this book. It is refreshing to have Maxwell remind us that integrity goes much deeper than what is legal. His thesis is that a form of the Golden Rule, (Do unto to others, as you would have them do unto you,) is the only way to make tough, ethical decisions in any area of your life. One of the problems I had was that the book really is geared towards leaders of companies, and doesn't address what you are to do if you are caught in a situation where you really don't have any power over the decisions of the company, but you are forced to execute those decisions, even if they are unethical. He praises whistle-blowers, but he doesn't seem to openly advocate the practice. To his credit, Maxwell does state that using the Golden Rule will not always bring you success, but he states it as a kind of afterthought. His example of a high school football coach benching his players for underage drinking and then losing the big game because of their absence is hard to apply to a real life busniness situation. Having a tough sales deal on the line that can make or break the company and mean that you or people you work with or work under will lose their jobs, or their bonuses can be a little more stressful and make white lies, (especially when they are advocated by the higher-ups,) seem more inconsequential. And please understand that I am not saying that it makes them more right. Like most of Maxwell's books it lays out some great food for thought and it really will help you to think about your actions and how you conduct yourself. However, also like Maxwell's other books, it doesn't give you a clear roadmap of how to succeed in this area.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Reminder
Review: Being in sales I have noticed something over the years. Some of the great sales training programs and literature always seem to stress integrity. For example, "Always follow up when you say you will." However, they also advocate all sorts of little white lies in dealing with customers and prospects in order to get your foot in the door. This is exactly the kind of "ethics" that John Maxwell is taking on in this book. It is refreshing to have Maxwell remind us that integrity goes much deeper than what is legal. His thesis is that a form of the Golden Rule, (Do unto to others, as you would have them do unto you,) is the only way to make tough, ethical decisions in any area of your life. One of the problems I had was that the book really is geared towards leaders of companies, and doesn't address what you are to do if you are caught in a situation where you really don't have any power over the decisions of the company, but you are forced to execute those decisions, even if they are unethical. He praises whistle-blowers, but he doesn't seem to openly advocate the practice. To his credit, Maxwell does state that using the Golden Rule will not always bring you success, but he states it as a kind of afterthought. His example of a high school football coach benching his players for underage drinking and then losing the big game because of their absence is hard to apply to a real life busniness situation. Having a tough sales deal on the line that can make or break the company and mean that you or people you work with or work under will lose their jobs, or their bonuses can be a little more stressful and make white lies, (especially when they are advocated by the higher-ups,) seem more inconsequential. And please understand that I am not saying that it makes them more right. Like most of Maxwell's books it lays out some great food for thought and it really will help you to think about your actions and how you conduct yourself. However, also like Maxwell's other books, it doesn't give you a clear roadmap of how to succeed in this area.
Rating:
Summary: Golden Rule as the General Guideline for Ethics
Review: Book Overview: This is a motivating, short, and easy to read book that tries to persuade the reader to adopt and apply the Golden Rule to their life as the ethical standard. Although the title of this book could mislead and create the wrong impression that it is intended to be read by businesspersons, this book can be used by anyone, since the general purpose is to apply the Golden Rule not only to the business environment but also to the personal life of the readers. The book will generate great results and deep impact in the life of those persons, whom regardless of their social status or occupation, find themselves lost or disoriented regarding to their ethics standards. Throughout examples and real life stories in several aspects, the author illustrates his points and creates consciousness among the readers. At the end of each of the seven chapters, readers will find four to six straightforward questions that will help them look inside themselves and reflect what they have just read. The author starts the book by citing ethical issues that have been creating concern in our society. Afterward, he focuses in the benefits and the importance of the Golden Rule. Subsequently, readers will find valuable tips of how to start thinking and applying this concept, which give introduction to other concept known as character. In chapter 5, the book encloses five factors that are considered to be the deceivers for people to follow an appropriate ethic path. Later, in the following chapter, the Dr. John C. Maxwell persuades readers to follow eight of his suggestions of how people can develop strong character in order to pursue golden opportunities. Finally, the author invites the readers to pursue the Golden Rule instead of the "Real Gold" by adopting five practices.
Rating:
Summary: Golden Rule as the General Guideline for Ethics
Review: Book Overview: This is a motivating, short, and easy to read book that tries to persuade the reader to adopt and apply the Golden Rule to their life as the ethical standard. Although the title of this book could mislead and create the wrong impression that it is intended to be read by businesspersons, this book can be used by anyone, since the general purpose is to apply the Golden Rule not only to the business environment but also to the personal life of the readers. The book will generate great results and deep impact in the life of those persons, whom regardless of their social status or occupation, find themselves lost or disoriented regarding to their ethics standards. Throughout examples and real life stories in several aspects, the author illustrates his points and creates consciousness among the readers. At the end of each of the seven chapters, readers will find four to six straightforward questions that will help them look inside themselves and reflect what they have just read. The author starts the book by citing ethical issues that have been creating concern in our society. Afterward, he focuses in the benefits and the importance of the Golden Rule. Subsequently, readers will find valuable tips of how to start thinking and applying this concept, which give introduction to other concept known as character. In chapter 5, the book encloses five factors that are considered to be the deceivers for people to follow an appropriate ethic path. Later, in the following chapter, the Dr. John C. Maxwell persuades readers to follow eight of his suggestions of how people can develop strong character in order to pursue golden opportunities. Finally, the author invites the readers to pursue the Golden Rule instead of the "Real Gold" by adopting five practices.
Rating: 
Summary: The Golden Rule Explained and Improved Upon
Review: In the aftermath of the many corporate scandals of the last two years, most people are looking for a way to reintroduce ethics into the companies they work for and invest in. In the process, some enthusiasts for ethical behavior have created whole libraries of do's and don'ts that tend to confuse the issue. What's the answer? Dr. John C. Maxwell proposes a simple idea: Ethics is the same for all parts of one's life, whether in business or personal activities. "Asking the question 'How would I like to be treated in this situation?' is an integrity guideline for any situation." He builds on that standard to suggest an even higher one, something he calls "developing the Midas Touch." Your goal is to exceed the Golden Rule: 1. Treat people better than they treat you. 2. Walk the second mile (do more than just going the extra mile). 3. Help people who can't help you. 4. Do right when it is natural to do wrong. 5. Keep your promises even when it hurts. If we all did this, our world would be filled with an abundance of kindness and goodness that would enrich each of us much more than any material possessions could. Although I was certainly familiar with the Golden Rule, my understanding of it deepened greatly from reading this book. As an example, I think about the rule as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That gets me to thinking about what I am going to do to them before I think about what I would want in that situation. Dr. Maxwell's rephrasing gets me to thinking about what the ideal thing is to do before I consider the other person. That improved my ability to think of good solutions even though the concept is unchanged by the rephrasing. He also addresses the fact that most people cut corners in an ethical sense, but are very critical of others who do. So there is some hypocritical thinking to address in this area. Each chapter has questions at the end that readers can use to explore and develop their own thinking. I thought these questions were the most valuable parts of the book, and helped bring the lessons home to me. I was also impressed to see the research about how the major religions all have their version of the Golden Rule, so this is something that almost everyone believes in. But, most of us could use some more help to understand what others would like to see us do. The book has many fine sections that talk about the values that people would like to see honored in following the Golden Rule. The book is also filled with simple business examples that were new to me. One of my favorites is the firm that keeps full employment by eliminating the owner's salaries when times are tough. You could improve your understanding of ethical behavior over a lifetime by considering and reconsidering this fine book. What are you waiting for?
Rating:
Summary: The Golden Rule Explained and Improved Upon
Review: In the aftermath of the many corporate scandals of the last two years, most people are looking for a way to reintroduce ethics into the companies they work for and invest in. In the process, some enthusiasts for ethical behavior have created whole libraries of do's and don'ts that tend to confuse the issue. What's the answer? Dr. John C. Maxwell proposes a simple idea: Ethics is the same for all parts of one's life, whether in business or personal activities. "Asking the question 'How would I like to be treated in this situation?' is an integrity guideline for any situation." He builds on that standard to suggest an even higher one, something he calls "developing the Midas Touch." Your goal is to exceed the Golden Rule: 1. Treat people better than they treat you. 2. Walk the second mile (do more than just going the extra mile). 3. Help people who can't help you. 4. Do right when it is natural to do wrong. 5. Keep your promises even when it hurts. If we all did this, our world would be filled with an abundance of kindness and goodness that would enrich each of us much more than any material possessions could. Although I was certainly familiar with the Golden Rule, my understanding of it deepened greatly from reading this book. As an example, I think about the rule as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That gets me to thinking about what I am going to do to them before I think about what I would want in that situation. Dr. Maxwell's rephrasing gets me to thinking about what the ideal thing is to do before I consider the other person. That improved my ability to think of good solutions even though the concept is unchanged by the rephrasing. He also addresses the fact that most people cut corners in an ethical sense, but are very critical of others who do. So there is some hypocritical thinking to address in this area. Each chapter has questions at the end that readers can use to explore and develop their own thinking. I thought these questions were the most valuable parts of the book, and helped bring the lessons home to me. I was also impressed to see the research about how the major religions all have their version of the Golden Rule, so this is something that almost everyone believes in. But, most of us could use some more help to understand what others would like to see us do. The book has many fine sections that talk about the values that people would like to see honored in following the Golden Rule. The book is also filled with simple business examples that were new to me. One of my favorites is the firm that keeps full employment by eliminating the owner's salaries when times are tough. You could improve your understanding of ethical behavior over a lifetime by considering and reconsidering this fine book. What are you waiting for?
Rating: 
Summary: The Golden Rule works, This Book Falls Short
Review: The application of the Golden Rule to our everyday lives is something that we can all agree is good. John Maxwell does a good job or defining the golden rule, its worldwide acceptance, and how we can apply it to our everyday. It was more like a walk down memory lane; to a time when a teacher or mentor first explained the concept to us. However I do have a few concerns with Mr. Maxwell's book. First there might need to be a better job at researching Fletcher thoughts on Relativism...in his book he labels Fletcher as the father of mordern day Realativism...quoting (or rather misquoting) Fletcher's statement that love can justify anything. I am in not postition to defend Fletcher, for I am not that familiar with his work, however he does not just use the term love. Rather he uses the term Agape Love, coming from the ancient Greek...the highest and purest form of love...one that God would have for us, a term any minister or pastor of the Christian Faith would know very well. Second after page 86 the book get repediative and seems to get off track. This links to my last issue with the book and why it gets a bit off track, as it turns into an advertisement for Mr. Maxwell's corporation, the last several pages are nothing but adverstisements asking you to visit their web site for free character quiz and then taking you down a road of Buy...buy...buy our products. Not what I expected and was somewhat disappointed. In short taking some know concepts, putting a somewhat of a new spin on them and then publishing to add another book to the list of those authored. Part of the disappointment is that I know this book could be better.
Rating:
Summary: The Golden Rule works, This Book Falls Short
Review: The application of the Golden Rule to our everyday lives is something that we can all agree is good. John Maxwell does a good job or defining the golden rule, its worldwide acceptance, and how we can apply it to our everyday. It was more like a walk down memory lane; to a time when a teacher or mentor first explained the concept to us. However I do have a few concerns with Mr. Maxwell's book. First there might need to be a better job at researching Fletcher thoughts on Relativism...in his book he labels Fletcher as the father of mordern day Realativism...quoting (or rather misquoting) Fletcher's statement that love can justify anything. I am in not postition to defend Fletcher, for I am not that familiar with his work, however he does not just use the term love. Rather he uses the term Agape Love, coming from the ancient Greek...the highest and purest form of love...one that God would have for us, a term any minister or pastor of the Christian Faith would know very well. Second after page 86 the book get repediative and seems to get off track. This links to my last issue with the book and why it gets a bit off track, as it turns into an advertisement for Mr. Maxwell's corporation, the last several pages are nothing but adverstisements asking you to visit their web site for free character quiz and then taking you down a road of Buy...buy...buy our products. Not what I expected and was somewhat disappointed. In short taking some know concepts, putting a somewhat of a new spin on them and then publishing to add another book to the list of those authored. Part of the disappointment is that I know this book could be better.
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