Gold and Platinum

The "Gold Standard" (when not referring to fiscal policy) is the classic way of indicating the "best." For a recording to become a "gold record," it must sell a half-a-million copies. To "win gold" at the Olympics you must place first. Interestingly, most religions have a "golden rule" and it applies to how we treat others. Norman Rockwell's depiction of the rule on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in April 1961 was well received and has been celebrated since. The Golden Rule is an edict that has stood the test of time.

Leaders are wise to follow the Golden Rule as a matter of course. Treat people with kindness, dignity, and respect. Sadly, many leaders fail miserably here. When they do, they eventually learn that if you treat people as a means to an end you will never have their respect or trust. Those that follow the rule have a much stronger connection to everyone in their organization. The power of persuasion is built upon many pillars including likability, consistency, and similarity, with reciprocity as a major driver. Treating others like we want to be treated is golden.

“Do unto others as you would have done unto you” is excellent advice. Mostly.

What happens if your "gold record“ sells another half-a-million copies? Is it possible to achieve something higher? Yes it is. A PLATINUM record. Turns out, there is one standard higher than golden.

Could this apply to our rule as well? I believe it can. The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” Mostly, this is excellent advice but what if others don’t want to be treated as you want to be treated? We are all individuals with preferences on how we want things done. I have laughed with many of the leaders I work with that I spent 50 years treating people as I wanted to be treated only to realize that very few people want to be treated that way. What if you don't need a pat on the back? Does that mean you should not give them? What if you answer every e-mail or text within the hour? Should you expect others to do the same? What if you are fond of writing weekly 7-page emails (I actually had a boss that was) should you send weekly 7-page emails? What if you want to be corrected the minute someone sees an error? Should you do the same?

The platinum version of this rule, in my mind, would be, “Do unto others as they would have done unto them.”

The platinum version of this rule, in my mind, would be, “Do unto others as they would have done unto them.” If my team needs consistent encouragement, I should provide it even though I do not; If my direct report is more contemplative than I am and needs more time to think a situation through, I should provide it even though I am faster and impatient; If my 7-page weekly e-mail frustrates my team, I should find a better way even though I like it.

Of course, there are limits to this. You are the leader, and you must decide. There are times when leaders must do the unpopular thing or disappoint people by taking the action best for the organization. People accommodate for the leader as a matter of course. But taking time to know your people—especially your leadership team—and adjusting your style or plan can go a long way in building trust and nothing is more important than building trust. The world moves at the speed of trust.

The world moves at the speed of trust.

See if you can advance your gold to platinum. Take time to get to know your people. Build into your team. Do unto others as they would have done unto them.