Golden versus Platinum: Which Rule Do You Follow?

Golden Rule

People are different. Whether you are in Frisco Texas, New York City or San Francisco, people are different. Being able to build relationships with people  will make you more successful both professionally and personally. Many people say that the Golden Rule will help you build relationships. The Golden Rule  I am referring to is stated as "do unto other as you would have them do unto you." This is really forming a relationship  as if you are working with someone just like you. I think this is limiting as it would be a boring life if the only people we had relationships were just like me.

Platinum Rule

I prefer to follow the Platinum Rule which I learned from Dr. Tony Alessandra. It states, "Treat others the way they want to be treated." Can you see and hear the difference? One way I like to explain the difference is by looking in the mirror. When you look in the mirror you see yourself. The Golden Rule would then have you working with your client as if YOU are looking in the mirror. When I follow the Platinum Rule it allows me to be the mirror for my client. When they look in the mirror they see themselves. I want them to be comfortable working with me so I want to be their reflection. 

Let me stop for a second and further explain. A reflection does not mean aping or mirroring in the manner that if your client lifts their left hand you lift your left hand. This si not monkey see, monkey do. This is being able to listen and ask questions that allow you to respond in a manner that your client prefers. This is not telling you to be insincere or tell them what they want to hear. This is in how you address, frame, and deliver your message. This can be from the words you choose, the pace you deliver your message, the medium you use etc... This is about building greater rapport and trust.

According to some of the greatest minds in the world, people can fall into 4-5 primary personalities (the 5 personality model is the latest.) That means you fall into one of category that covers 20% or 25% of the people that are similar in personality to you. If you follow the Golden Rule you could be out of alignment with your client 75%-80% of the time. This may be a small difference or it could be large differences. Any one of which could cause your client to be less than satisfied or worse not work with you at all. 

Alignment

So the next time you are working with a prospect, client, friend or even family member, remember the Platinum Rule. Try to listen to the answers to your questions, how the other person speaks and acts. Align yourself with them and see if your communication starts to work a little better. Then continue to practice and watch your results. Many of my prospects and clients have said how I am just like them. This is the highest praise I can receive because that means I am doing my job.

When my clients work with me they want the best experience. I work hard to give them that because when you are a client of mine—Your Success is My Focus