PeopleSmart in Business eBook - The Platinum Rule

and ask about her intimate, private thoughts; so she naturally fi gures it’s
okay for her to do the same thing. It’s true for the rest of us. If we don’t
think fi rst of the other person, we run the risk of unintentionally imposing
a tension-fi lled “win/lose” or “lose/lose” relationship on them.
The Platinum Rule
We believe in refi ning Th e Golden Rule to take into consideration
the feelings of the other person. Notice, we don’t say break the rule.
We redefi ne it into the Platinum Rule--”Do unto others as they want
to be done unto.” Treat others the way they want to be treated. By
“platinum,” we don’t mean to imply “better.” We simply want to capture
the true spirit or actual intention of the Golden Rule so we consider
and respond appropriately to the other person’s needs. We can
learn to treat diff erent people diff erently, according to their needs, not
ours. Th at leads to greater understanding and acceptance.
Remember the famous TV show, “All in the Family?”
“Edith do you know why we can’t communicate? Because I’m talking
in English and you’re listening in dingbat!” Well, maybe Archie
Bunker could benefi t from learning how to communicate in “dingbat”!
Th en, he could mentally change places with Edith to understand
her expectations instead of just his own.
Every day we face the potential for confl ict or success with diff erent
types of people. Confl icts are inevitable, but the outcome from how
you handle dissension is much more controllable. At the very least,
you can manage your end of it. You can choose to treat somebody
from his perspective, the way he wants to be treated by modifying
your own behavior; or you can choose to meet only your own needs-
-facing consequences such as dissatisfaction, frustration, confusion,
and distress. It’s up to you.
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