Strategy · beginner · 30 min

The Platinum Rule

Extending the Golden Rule ('Treat others as you want to be treated'), the Platinum Rule encourages treating others as *they* want to be treated. This activity helps participants identify diverse communication preferences and adapt their behavior accordingly.

What participants gain

  • Understand the Platinum Rule.
  • Identify diverse communication preferences.
  • Develop skills in observing and understanding others' needs.
  • Adapt behavior to meet the needs of others.

Materials needed

  • Handout explaining the Platinum Rule
  • Examples of diverse communication preferences
  • Markers
  • Whiteboard
  • Pens
  • Timer

How to run The Platinum Rule, step by step

  1. Introduce the Platinum Rule (5 min).
  2. Explain the difference between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule (5 min).
  3. Provide examples of diverse communication preferences (10 min).
  4. Ask participants to share their own experiences with adapting their behavior to meet the needs of others (5 min).
  5. Discuss the benefits of following the Platinum Rule (5 min).

Facilitator tips

  • Emphasize the importance of observation and active listening in understanding others' preferences.
  • Encourage participants to be flexible and adaptable in their interactions.
  • Highlight the benefits of building strong relationships based on mutual understanding.

Common challenges

  • Participants assume everyone wants to be treated the same way. - Challenge this assumption by providing examples of diverse preferences.
  • Participants are unwilling to adapt their behavior. - Emphasize the benefits of flexibility and adaptability.
  • Participants are unsure how to determine others' preferences. - Provide guidance on observation and active listening.

Running it virtually

Use online quizzes to assess participants' understanding of different communication preferences. Facilitate a virtual role-playing exercise where participants practice adapting their behavior to meet the needs of others.

Expected results

Participants will understand the Platinum Rule and its importance in cross-cultural communication. They will develop skills in observing and understanding others' preferences and adapting their behavior accordingly.

Build a session around The Platinum Rule

METODIC drops The Platinum Rule into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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