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out. This fix requires a paradigm shift. If you are willing to change who you are - your character - you must first change the way you think.

Dr. Stephen R. Covey has conducted extensive research and written extensively in the area of a principle-centered approach to solving human problems. As a result of his study, Dr. Covey noticed that the majority of studies over the past 50 years disclosed superficial "quick fixes" or aspirin that appeared to solve chronic social problems, but they continued to "resurface time and time again." In contrast, Covey discovered that a period 150 years earlier was a foundation of success that was referred to as the "Character Ethic." The "Character Ethic" embodied terms, such as "integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty, and the Golden Rule." Covey also noticed that after World War I, the basic view of success shifted from the "Character Ethic" to the "Personality Ethic." The "Personality Ethic" focused on "the public image of attitudes, skills, and techniques that lubricate the processes of human interaction."

A perfect example of a man who had a good personality ethic was a former supervisor of mine. He was very popular, highly respected, and influential. His public persona was exceptional. I enjoyed an excellent professional relationship with him that was built on mutual respect. However, over time, I realized that he had mastered the art of public deception. His personality ethic was flawless. He was a master politician who gave the public what they wanted. However, he lacked character ethic. He openly flaunted inappropriate contact with several subordinates, and it was common knowledge that he demonstrated extreme favoritism and cronyism. He was feared by his opponents and revered by his constituents. He demonstrated the epitome of the "personality ethic." Many people who have a good personality ethic, but a poor character ethic, can present a good faade, but eventually, their true motives will be uncovered.

Stephen Covey's extensive research and many studies thereafter have all resulted in similar conclusions. Basically, the best way to get along with others is to treat them the way you wish to be treated - the Golden Rule. There has been and there will always be many studies, focus groups, and research papers to collect and analyze universal data to explain the variety of issues involving human behavior and social interactions.
Every study worth its weight will conclude that the Golden Rule is still relevant. In fact, the most important "spiritual laws" concerning social interactions are contained in the Bible. I refer to these Biblical instructions as the Spiritual Law of Human Dynamics (The Golden Rule, Sowing and Reaping, and the Fruit of the Spirit).
(excerpt from Darthy JP Johnson's new book: Life's A Journey:7 Steps to Get What You Want, Atlanta Books, 2007)

Learn more about this author, Darthy Johnson.
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