THE WINNER”S RULE
One of the gift ideas which I put on my Christmas list was a book titled, “Just One Thing”, by John Mauldin. It is a compilation of articles he asked 12 men to write. These 12 men are all brilliant in the world’s investment market place. Mr. Mauldin asked each of them what the single most useful piece of advice they could give, which they had learned from all their years of experience.
It is a great read if you are interested in the world of investing, but there is one chapter which really jumped out at me. It was written by Michael Masterson, and the chapter is titled, ‘The Winner’s Rule’.
Mr. Masterson quickly rattles off 10 things to know about yourself in regards to your business, but then he gets to the ‘One Thing’ he wants his 3 sons to know.
Like any parent he wants his kids to be happy. But as they have grown, he has decided that more importantly, he wants them to be good. To have good manners, to treat others kindly, to be considerate of those less fortunate, and so on.
This is the same attitude many of our parents wanted to instill in us. The idea that we should leave the world a little better than we found it.
Mr. Masterson’s secret is this: “In every relationship you get into; every business, social, or personal transaction; make sure that the other person gets as much benefit from it as you do.” Mr. Masterson goes on to say he “realizes this flies in the face of current thinking.”
Now I realize Mr. Masterson believes he is onto something unique, but to me this sounds like a wordier version of Matt. 7:12; “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” The idea to at least give as much as you take from any relationship or interaction with another is an old concept which has served many generations of people.
Yet while this is not a new concept, I can see it is a concept which has been forgotten by many Americans today. My marriage is only good as long as I am able to get what I ‘need’. Employer’s needs trump the employee’s. Employees take advantage of the employer.
The lifestyle of those who live by this ‘Winner’s Rule’ is infinitely more satisfying, and this lifestyle is currently so unusual that you will stand out. Your boss will appreciate the way you treat his customers. He will appreciate your work ethic and concern for his business. You will be an encouragement to those you help and you will be happier knowing you have dealt with others in an ethical and moral manner.
Your marriage will be better because your actions will say you want what is best for your spouse. Your life will have less stress because getting the most, the best, getting there first, or gaining some advantage will not be a priority in your life. And the world will be a better place because you have left it a little better than you found it.
UNK