I strongly disagree with the idea that anyone can "...make people feel really happy about themselves" or that "you simply have to treat them exactly the way you would like to be treated."

First, no one can "make" anyone happy. I may be able to contribute to someone's happiness by how I treat them and what I say, but that happiness is temporary. Happiness is an oversold commodity in any case because it always based on external sources. People achieve lasting satisfaction and contentment when they serve others selflessly. This experience brings joy. Helping people develop the capacity to serve others is the biggest challenge any leader will ever face.

Second, treating someone the way I want to be treated is a good axiom, but based on the assumption that everyone wants to be treated the way you want to be treated. Anyone who's succesfully managed others knows you can't treat everyone the same way. What makes one person happy may make no difference to another and could in fact de-motivate them. Some people are motivated if you recognize them by taking them out to lunch; others would prefer you praise them publicly in a staff meeting. Leaders can begin to have an impact when they learn how others want to be treated in ways that are personally meaningful to them.

Brian, I would agree with you and I’m quite sure Brian Tracy would too. We can’t make people be anything, least of all "happy.". However we can quit frustrating them, impeding their progress, or demeaning them. The problem is we too often work against our people instead of with them. A simple smile and stopping to listen can dramatically improve a person’s disposition.

Of course, not everyone can be treated the same when it comes to “things.” The statement, “treat others as you would like to be treated” is quite often twisted to mean things beyond its intent. It refers to values common to all human beings and not things. It means treating others with outgoing concern, respect, and thoughtfulness. In that respect it’s really not about “you” but “others.”

The rule has within it the implicit instruction to treat others thoughtfully—in the same manner of outgoing concern—as you would like them to treat you. Certainly none of us would want others to treat us in a way that shows disregard for our personal needs and feelings. The principle of the Golden Rule is selflessness. It is not meant to imply that you should do for others exactly what you want them to do for you. It’s not about you. >> See more here.