Musings on Goethe Quote

What are the meanings of von Goethe quote, "When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are.  When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be."

What say you?  How do you treat others?

Von Goethe's quote is a powerful reminder of the impact that our expectations and treatment of others can have on their development and growth.  When we treat people merely as they are, without any vision for their potential or a willingness to help them realize it, we limit their possibilities and condemn them to their own life, perhaps one of mediocrity.  However, when we treat them as if they were what they should be, we inspire them to rise to the occasion and become the best version of themselves.

As an executive coach, I have seen firsthand how this principle can be applied.  A true leader sets high expectations for their employees and provides them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, and, in doing so, they create a culture of excellence that encourages everyone to strive for greatness.  By treating people as if they were what they should be, leaders can unlock their full potential and help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What if you were able to be a leader, who creates leaders, who, in turn, create leaders?  What if your firm could be composed 100% of leaders, no followers?  Everyone being leaders!

So let us all take a page from von Goethe's book and start treating people as if they were what they should be. Let us have faith in their abilities and help them realize their full potential. The results will be nothing short of amazing.