The Platinum Rule

The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a timeless ethical principle promoting kindness and empathy. Rooted in many religious and philosophical traditions, its core premise is to treat others with the same respect and care that we would want for ourselves.

While this principle offers a strong foundation for kindness, it's incomplete. It assumes a level of similarity in desires, values, and experiences between individuals, which can be limiting in increasingly diverse educational environments.

Enter the Platinum Rule: “Do unto others as they would want done to them.” This adaptation encourages a deeper understanding of others by acknowledging our differences and striving to meet each person where they are rather than where we are.

The Platinum Rule, as conceptualized by Tony Alessandra (2008), challenges us to go beyond our own perspectives and focus on the unique preferences, needs, and experiences of others.

Implementing this rule requires more than simple empathy; it demands thoughtfulness, compassion, and intentional effort. It emphasizes the importance of deep listening, suspension of judgment, and an authentic curiosity about others' lived experiences. When applied to education, the Platinum Rule aligns seamlessly with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles.

The Platinum Rule and DEIB in Education

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are increasingly recognized as vital pillars in education, helping to foster environments where all students can thrive. The Platinum Rule complements DEIB by reinforcing the idea that educators should seek to understand and respond to the distinct needs of their students, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

1. Diversity and The Platinum Rule: Diversity in education recognizes that students come from various cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic backgrounds, among other differences. The Golden Rule may unintentionally reinforce a homogenous standard of care or teaching that doesn’t take these differences into account. The Platinum Rule, however, encourages educators to recognize and honor the unique identities of their students by asking, “What do they need? How do they want to be treated?”
2. Equity and The Platinum Rule: Equity is about ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. This doesn’t mean treating everyone the same; it means providing tailored support to address individual challenges. The Platinum Rule underscores the importance of listening to what students need rather than assuming that what works for one will work for all. It asks educators to be flexible and adaptable in their approach, ensuring that each student is treated in a way that supports their personal success.
3. Inclusion and The Platinum Rule: Inclusion involves creating spaces where all students feel valued and accepted. The Golden Rule might encourage inclusivity, but it often falls short in truly meeting the needs of marginalized students because it’s still centered on the perspective of the educator. The Platinum Rule encourages educators to ask, “What makes you feel included?” and to take the necessary steps to create a classroom environment where every student feels like they belong.
4. Belonging and The Platinum Rule: Belonging is the outcome when diversity, equity, and inclusion are fully realized. It’s the feeling of being valued and accepted for who you are. By following the Platinum Rule, educators create opportunities for students to express their individuality and have their specific needs met, leading to a stronger sense of belonging in the educational community.

The Role of Deep Listening and Compassion

One of the most profound elements of the Platinum Rule is that it requires deep listening—a practice that allows educators to suspend judgment and be fully present with their students. Deep listening is a key component of culturally responsive teaching. This teaching method emphasizes the need for educators to be attuned to the cultural references of their students in all aspects of learning. Zaretta Hammond (2015) builds on this idea in Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, emphasizing the need for educators to engage students’ cultural knowledge as a way to promote cognitive development. The Platinum Rule encourages educators to listen for these cultural cues, and to respond accordingly, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Moreover, implementing the Platinum Rule in education aligns with the principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), which is increasingly being integrated into educational settings to support students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, in What Happened to You? (2021), advocate for an understanding of students’ past experiences as a key factor in shaping their behavior and needs in the classroom. The Platinum Rule encourages educators to ask, “What has happened to this student that affects their learning?” and to respond with empathy and tailored support.

Embracing the Platinum Rule for a More Inclusive Education

The Golden Rule is not inherently flawed; its underlying premise is kindness, which is fundamental to any human interaction. However, it works best when everyone shares similar experiences, values, and perspectives.

In modern education's diverse and complex environment, the Platinum Rule offers a more nuanced and effective approach. By prioritizing the preferences, needs, and desires of others, the Platinum Rule helps educators foster more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate learning environments. It encourages educators to take the extra steps required to truly understand their students, ensuring that each one feels seen, heard, and valued—a goal that is at the heart of DEIB in education.

References

Alessandra, T. (2008). The Platinum Rule: Discover the Four Basic Business Personalities and How They Can Lead You to Success. Warner Books.

Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Corwin Press.

Perry, B. D., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. Flatiron Books.