“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.”

Well I think that this quote is full of varieties of opinions. It was very similar to the golden rule of Cholics and also what people say, but the second part changes your point of view and you say it is a very inadequate to say that, but face reality there are people that do that such as parents, teacher or mentors, etc.

It the essence of the thought that matters - think not of words but their intention

When every individual treats each person as if they were what they ought to be, the initiating person is helping himself to become what he is capable of being also.

[sarcastically] What a lovely socialist concept. [now seriously] Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one. Bow to your partner, but never take your eyes off him. Trust, but verify.

Reinforce 'good' behavior rather than judging out of prejudice. I like what Mike said.

Sometimes successful, but there are too mnay narcissistic people about that if you treat them honorably they will continue to take advantage of any self serving opportunity that kindness affords them. I have known and loved this quote, thought of it as an ideal, but still encounter idiots on a regular basis, despite my treatment of them.

I work in a large organization with a large number of blue collar workers and, being one of those engineering types that work with them, I have observed many different management styles. Some foremen treat their men like men, some treat them like children. Those who treat their men as knowledgable professional grownups get a much higher quality product and more of it, and they get much less grief for themselves.