From Failing Projects to Team Champions_ How The Platinum Rule vs The Golden Rule Transformed Our IT Department.pdf

In this article, the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule, you will learn how these two guiding principles differ, and how blending both approaches can bring out the best in diverse teams.

1. From Failing Projects to Team
Champions: How The Platinum Rule vs
The Golden Rule Transformed Our IT
Department

​​Source: Image by Ziga Plahutar from Getty Images Signature
Every leader faces the challenge of guiding diverse teams toward a shared vision
while respecting individual differences. Chief Information Officers, in particular,
must balance corporate directives, technical requirements, and the personal
motivations of engineers, analysts, and stakeholders across the organization. When
standard instructions fall flat or fail to inspire, it often signals a need for a more
nuanced approach to interpersonal management. In its most familiar form, a
well-known ethical maxim asks us to treat colleagues as we wish to be treated,
offering simplicity but assuming uniform preferences. A more adaptive framework
encourages leaders to discover and honor each team member’s unique
communication style and work habits.

2. In this article, the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule, you will learn how these two
guiding principles differ, and how blending both approaches can bring out the best
in diverse teams.
Platinum vs the Golden Rule for CIOs
Chief Information Officers lead teams that span developers, analysts, project
managers, security experts, and external partners. Applying the concept of the
Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule helps CIOs decide when to rely on a universal
principle and when to adapt to individual preferences. Using the Golden Rule often
streamlines decisions because it leans on a single viewpoint. Yet relying too heavily
on that one viewpoint can leave people feeling unheard. Embracing the Platinum
Rule, by contrast, encourages CIOs to ask each person how they want to be treated,
creating stronger bonds and clearer communication channels.
Understanding the Two Rules
The Golden Rule instructs us to treat others as we would like to be treated. It offers
simplicity and consistency across interactions. Meanwhile, the Platinum Rule
instructs to treat others as they wish, acknowledging that people have different
needs and communication styles. Comparing the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule
reveals that neither approach is inherently superior; each shines in particular
circumstances. The Golden Rule provides a quick, uniform standard during crises or
large-scale rollouts, while the Platinum Rule fosters deeper engagement in
one-on-one moments or complex change efforts.
Key Differences
Aspect Golden Rule Platinum Rule

3. Core Principle Treat others as you want
to be treated
Treat others as they want
to be treated
Approach One-size-fits-all,
self-referential
Individualized,
understanding diverse
needs
Focus Self-centric perspective Other-centric perspective
Assumption Everyone shares the same
preferences and values
People have unique
backgrounds and needs
Communication Style Uniform messaging and
feedback
Customized based on
individual preferences

4. Recognition Method Standard rewards and
acknowledgment
Tailored appreciation
based on what motivates
each person
Decision Speed Quick decisions using a
single reference point
Slower initial process
requiring individual
consultation
Potential Results Risk of misinterpreting
motivations, unmet
needs
Enhanced
communication,
increased innovation,
improved retention
Strengths of the Golden Rule
Applying the Golden Rule brings several advantages. Its simplicity makes
communicating and enforcing governing policies easy without extensive
customization. In high-pressure situations, such as system outages or urgent
compliance updates, having a single standard for communication and
decision-making helps maintain order. A CIO who leans into the Golden Rule can
avoid delays caused by individual preference surveys or lengthy stakeholder
interviews. Moreover, uniform treatment reduces the risk of perceived favoritism,
ensuring each team member understands what to expect.
Also Read: The Golden Rule in a CIO’s Life: Balancing Innovation with Human Impact
Strengths of the Platinum Rule

5. Image by Meepian Graphic
Conversely, CIOs who embrace the Platinum Rule unlock deeper collaboration and
engagement. Asking each person how they wish to receive feedback, what type of
recognition motivates them, and how they prefer to learn reinforces a sense of
respect. This level of personalization can drive higher morale and creativity, as
individuals feel their unique contributions are valued. Tailoring the content and
delivery according to participants’ preferences in workshops or training sessions can
dramatically improve comprehension and adoption rates. When a CIO balances the
Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule, taking the time to personalize in critical
moments, teams often respond with heightened energy and loyalty.
Also Read: The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life: Building Stronger Teams and Strategies
Limitations of Each Approach
Despite their benefits, both rules have drawbacks when applied in isolation. The
Golden Rule’s one-size-fits-all mentality may alienate team members with distinct
working styles, failing to acknowledge different cultural norms or varying
experience levels. It can cause frustration when individuals who learn best through

6. hands-on experimentation receive only written guidelines. Meanwhile, the Platinum
Rule’s demand for customization can introduce complexity. Gathering detailed
preference data requires surveys, interviews, and ongoing check-ins, which may not
be feasible for large or fast-moving projects. Excessive personalization risks
fragmenting communication protocols and triggering concerns about fairness if
some receive more tailored interactions than others.
When to Use Each Rule
A balanced approach to the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule begins with context
assessment. In situations where rapid alignment is critical—such as cybersecurity
alerts or regulatory deadlines—the Golden Rule’s uniform standard keeps everyone
on the same page. For strategic initiatives that span months, including enterprise
software migrations or organizational restructuring, the Platinum Rule offers
long-term benefits by fostering individual buy-in. CIOs might default to the Golden
Rule during planning phases when establishing core policies. As projects progress to
stakeholder engagement and training, shifting toward the Platinum Rule can
address unique needs and eliminate friction points.
Practical Steps for CIOs
To apply the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule effectively, CIOs can adopt these
practices without overcomplicating their workflows:
∘ Conduct Learning Style Assessments: Begin by surveying teams to learn preferred
communication methods and feedback styles. Use brief questionnaires asking
whether team members prefer hands-on workshops, written guides, or peer
coaching. This data helps determine when to apply uniform training versus
customized approaches.
∘ Establish Regular One-on-One Conversations: Schedule meaningful individual
meetings with each team member. Use these sessions to build rapport, understand
career goals, identify challenges, and inquire about preferred ways of working and
receiving recognition. Ask open-ended questions that encourage sharing of
perspectives and needs.

7. Image by RossHelen
∘ Create and Maintain Preference Documentation: Document team preferences in a
shared repository so managers can reference individual needs during meetings or
project updates. Include communication channel preferences, feedback styles, and
recognition methods that resonate with each person.
∘ Train Mid-Level Leaders: Educate managers and team leads on when to apply each
Rule, providing real-life scenarios to illustrate the impact of acknowledgment versus
tailored engagement. Share best practices for quick implementation while
maintaining fairness across teams.
∘ Implement Flexible Communication Strategies: Classify interactions where routine
notices and urgent alerts follow the Golden Rule, while performance reviews,
coaching sessions, and innovative workshops leverage the Platinum Rule. Find and
use the best communication method for each individual.
∘ Review and Adjust Approaches Periodically: Conduct regular assessments to ensure
customization remains fair and does not create silos. Survey teams after major
initiatives to determine what worked and what could improve, using feedback to
refine future applications of the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule.

8. ∘ Balancing Personalization and Policy: Implementing the Platinum Rule vs the
Golden Rule does not require abandoning consistency altogether. To maintain
integrity, core governance, security protocols, and compliance requirements should
remain uniform. Within that framework, personalization flourishes through setting
aside dedicated time for one-on-one check-ins, tailoring feedback, and recognizing
achievements in ways that resonate with each individual. Clarity on non-negotiable
standards alongside flexibility in personal interactions helps CIOs reinforce both
reliability and empathy.
Image by Pranithan Chorruangsak from Pranithan Chorruangsak’s Images
∘ Measuring Impact: CIOs can track metrics such as engagement survey scores,
training completion rates, and project milestone adherence to assess the
effectiveness of the Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule strategies. Comparing baseline
data from periods when only one Rule was applied against outcomes after
integrating both rules offers clear insight. Feedback loops from team members about
how they felt treated provide qualitative evidence of increased trust and motivation.
∘ Building a Culture of Understanding: Beyond individual interactions, applying the
Platinum Rule vs the Golden Rule concepts helps create an organizational culture
where differences are celebrated rather than tolerated. When team members see

9. leadership making genuine efforts to understand and accommodate various working
styles, they become more likely to extend similar courtesy to their colleagues. This
ripple effect strengthens collaboration across departments and reduces friction in
cross-functional projects.
Conclusion
The choice between the Platinum and Golden Rule should not be viewed as a rigid
dichotomy. Effective CIOs recognize when a universal standard suffices and
individual tailoring creates greater value. Blending the speed and fairness of the
Golden Rule with the empathy and engagement of the Platinum Rule results in a
harmonious leadership style that empowers diverse teams, drives faster adoption of
technology initiatives, and fosters a culture of respect. By thoughtfully applying each
principle in its ideal context, CIOs can encourage collaboration, innovation, and
sustained success while building stronger relationships with every team member.