As I look the list of recent EEOC settlements for both small businesses and large international companies, law firms (they really should have known better) to manufacturing companies, I am struck by one simple fact. ALL of these lawsuits and settlements could have been avoided if managers, supervisors and executives followed one simple rule, aka the platinum rule, first coined by Tony Alessandra and Scott Zimmerman. 
Every major religion has a tradition of the golden rule, “treat others as you would be treated”, and it’s a great starting point for moral and ethical decisions. But in the workplace (and frequently in life) not everyone wants to be treated just like you do. Instead think about treating people how they want to be treated (the platinum rule), not how you want to be treated (the golden rule). The platinum rule should also be applied when designing reward programs and development and training plans. Dan McCarthy uses the platinum rule as the T in his RESPECT overview and how leadership needs to show it. Check out Dan’s thoughtful and practical advice on leadership at http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/
Join the conversation-golden or platinum rule best for workforce management?
Tags: EEOC, employee morale, employment discrimination, HR best practice, litigation