Golden Rule vs Platinum Rule

Do you know what's the Platinum Rule?

The Golden Rule

Do unto others what you want others do unto you.

Many of you definitely have heard of the famous Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule simply states, “If you want others to treat you well, you first treat them well.”

Another version is:

Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.

Which means, if you don’t want others to hurt you, don’t hurt others.

I heard of this rule when I was in primary school.

This rule has served me well. It has helped me to be reminded of doing good to others. A lot of people also subscribed to this rule.

The Platinum Rule

Do unto others as they would want to be done to them.

Have you met people who want to be appreciated?

How about people who do not want to be appreciated?

There are different types of people. Which means, there are different ways to deal with them.

As they say:

Different folks, different strokes.

Platinum Rule means:

Treat others how they want to be treated!

I was very surprised to know that some people don’t want others to help them. While some, love others to help them.

I was also surprised to know some people don’t want others to appreciate them. While others really crave appreciation.

It gave me a lot of confusion. And for decades, it was like an unsolvable puzzle. And because I don’t know how to interact with them, it gave me a lot of problems.

When you meet these people, sometimes the Golden Rule does not simply apply. You have to apply the Platinum Rule.

Around 7 years ago, I met this person and he did a great job organising his team gathering. Their team event was so lively and everyone was enjoying themselves.

After the event, I approached him and told him he did a great job. I added that their event flow was very smooth. Upon hearing it, his face lit up and his eyes glowing. He became very excited. With his smile from ear to ear 😁

After a few minutes, I approached the one in-charge of the registration and also appreciated her because the name tags of the participants were nicely done. Upon hearing it, I noticed she became uncomfortable.

You see, I both appreciated them but they had different responses.

That incident gave me the idea that not all people are the same and it would be great if we treat them in a way they wanted to be treated.

Applying the Platinum Rule (treat others how they want to be treated) would help solve a lot of conflicts and misunderstanding between families, officemates, neighbours and even to your partner or spouse.

To apply the Platinum Rule, we need to know the different types of personalities.

In my next article, I will share the different types of personalities.

Having a good understanding of these personalities would help you resolve a lot of conflicts and misunderstandings.

Next:

How to make people understand you better? #11