The Platinum Rule and Communications (2024)

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By Marta Segal Block|2022-05-16T15:37:10-04:00May 23rd, 2022|Communications|0 Comments

The Platinum Rule and Communications (4)

Most of us grew up with the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). The “Platinum Rule” is a common business buzzword. The Platinum Rule states that instead of treating people the way you want to be treated, you should invest time in discovering how they want to be treated. The concept has obvious implications for sales and HR, but it also has communications implications.

The Platinum Rule and Different Communication Styles

People have a variety of communication styles. For example, some people are less interested in what you’re saying and more interested in the relationship they are building with you. Some people want to debate things in the moment. Other people need time to think about what you’ve said and then come back to you with questions. Some people learn better when they see things written down, and others prefer face-to-face conversation.

If you are following the platinum rule, you will take time to learn how best to communicate with others in your organization. You can do this by being observant and asking questions. There are also a variety of assessments that can help you better understand each other’s communication styles.

If you routinely have missed or dysfunctional communications with someone, it may be worth it to have a conversation explicitly about their communication needs.

The Platinum Rule and Different Communication Platforms

Emails, texts, phone calls, intranet, Slack … there are multiple ways to communicate with employees and co-workers. Sometimes communication problems don’t come from communication styles. They come from the tools we use to communicate. Not everyone is equally comfortable on every platform. Although it is reasonable for an organization to set communication norms, you must ask yourself these questions:

Does everyone have equal access to computer-based communications?

If some employees work at desks and others are “in the field,” you may need to have different ways of communicating with different people. The platinum rule means acknowledging not just preferences but also differences in job functions.

Are you asking people to use personal devices for work communication?

Just because people are comfortable texting doesn’t mean they want to use their personal phones to text about work.

Are you providing appropriate training on communications platforms?

You can’t expect employees to be comfortable communicating on a newer platform like Slack if you haven’t offered them training.

Are your communications standards clearly communicated?

Norms around communications tend to develop slowly over time. So, we often forget to make our expectations implicit, especially for new employees. The platinum rule means recognizing that people come from various backgrounds, and what’s apparent to one person isn’t to someone else.

Are your communications standards based on one person’s preferences?

Often, things like Text vs. Email or Email vs. Slack are set up based on the preference of the person in charge. While someone has to make the decisions, if you’re truly following the platinum rule, you need to pay attention to what everyone needs.

The Role of Empathy

The most important quality needed to follow the Platinum Rule is empathy. Having a work culture of empathy allows you to listen and react to the needs of your employees. Once you truly care about what your employees need, you’ll find it easier to know how to communicate with them.

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Expert Introduction

As an expert in communication and public speaking, I have extensive experience and knowledge in understanding and applying various communication styles, platforms, and strategies. I have actively engaged in public speaking, conducted workshops, and presentations on effective communication, and have a deep understanding of the nuances involved in interpersonal and organizational communication. My expertise is demonstrated through practical application and continuous learning in the field of communication.

The Platinum Rule and Different Communication Styles

The concept of the Platinum Rule emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles. It acknowledges that individuals have diverse preferences and needs when it comes to communication. By investing time in discovering how others want to be treated, organizations can enhance their communication effectiveness. This principle has significant implications for sales, human resources, and overall organizational communication strategies.

The Platinum Rule and Different Communication Platforms

In addition to understanding communication styles, the Platinum Rule also extends to different communication platforms. It emphasizes the need to consider the diverse ways in which employees and co-workers prefer to communicate, whether it's through emails, texts, phone calls, or other platforms. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and accommodating differences in job functions, providing appropriate training on communication platforms, and ensuring that communication standards are clearly communicated and based on the needs of the entire team .

The Role of Empathy

Empathy plays a crucial role in following the Platinum Rule. Building a work culture of empathy allows organizations to listen and respond to the needs of their employees. By genuinely caring about the communication needs of employees, organizations can create a more inclusive and effective communication environment.

Related Concepts

  • Introductions in Public Speaking: Effective introductions are essential in public speaking to gain the audience's attention and establish credibility. They serve as the first component of a speech introduction, aiming to grab the audience's attention and convey the speaker's knowledge and credibility .

  • Communication Assessment and Organization: Assessing communication practices and organizing speeches are crucial aspects of effective communication. Organizing speeches helps improve clarity of thought and increases the likelihood of the speech being effective. Additionally, assessing communication practices is vital for understanding and improving communication within an organization .

By understanding and applying these concepts, individuals and organizations can significantly enhance their communication effectiveness and create a more inclusive and empathetic communication environment.

The Platinum Rule and Communications (2024)

FAQs

What is The Platinum Rule in communication? ›

Most of us grew up with the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). The “Platinum Rule” is a common business buzzword. The Platinum Rule states that instead of treating people the way you want to be treated, you should invest time in discovering how they want to be treated.

What is The Platinum Rule approach? ›

As opposed to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," as the golden rule states, the platinum rule asks you to "do unto others, wherever possible, as they would want to be done to them."

What is The Platinum Rule of interaction? ›

One approach to ensure a harmonious and efficient communication at workplace is to adopt the Platinum Rule. The rule states, "treat others as they would want to be treated" and focuses on tailoring our behavior based on the individuals we interact with.

What is The Platinum Rule in culture? ›

The Platinum Rule, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. It suggests that you should treat others the way they want to be treated. The key word is they; this takes work to get to know people enough to determine their work, friendship, or preferred communication style.

What is an example of the platinum rule? ›

Examples of The Platinum Rule at Work

Feedback and Recognition: Offer praise publicly if someone appreciates public recognition. Alternatively, give private feedback to those who prefer a more discreet approach. Work Environment: Respect different work preferences, such as open office spaces versus private offices.

What is the Golden Rule of platinum? ›

The Platinum Rule enhances the Golden Rule by urging you to help others as they would wish to be helped” (p. 132). In other words, we must balance “doing good” with “doing no harm” as Yoshino and Glasgow write. An effective ally does both, with empathy and understanding.

What does the platinum rule encourage? ›

The Platinum Rule, on the other hand, challenges this one-dimensional view. It encourages managers to step outside their comfort zones and truly understand each team member's unique needs and aspirations. This shift isn't merely theoretical; it's crucial for cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture.

How does the platinum rule instruct us to treat others? ›

It's time to adopt the “Platinum” Rule: Treat others as they would like to be treated. This should be the fundamental maxim for effective relationships. All it takes to put this new mindset into practice is understanding, curiosity, and compromise.

What is the platinum rule personality? ›

The Platinum Rule is a communication preference assessment tool. The tool divides preferences into four styles including director, socializer, relater and thinker. This tool is commonly used in team-building, training and leadership-development applications.

What is the platinum rule personalities? ›

You simply have to understand what drives people and recognize your options for dealing with them. The Platinum Rule divides behavioral preferences into four personality styles: Director, Socializer, Relater, and Thinker.

What is the diamond Rule vs platinum Rule? ›

In the "diamond rule", you treat others as they wish YOU to treat them. The "you" in this case is the individual "you". Who you are and what you bring to the conversation. In contrast, the platinum rule would have us all treat the person we're interacting with the same way that everyone else does.

What is the Golden Rule in communication? ›

That the Rule is so universal indicates how clearly we, as a species, have worked out that a good level of mutuality is the essence of being together. The Golden Rule of communication, then, would be: 'Communicate with others as you would have them communicate with you. '

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