Treat People They Way They Want to Be Treated

When most people think of how to treat their customers, employees or coworkers they follow the “golden rule”; “Do unto others as you would want to be done unto”. There is a better way to treat your customers, employees and coworkers. Dr. Tony Alessandra, author of the book titled, The Platinum Rule suggests we use the “platinum rule” which is, “Treat others as they want to be treated”.

Platinum Rule Makes Sense
In today’s market, the platinum rule makes much more sense. Why is this so? Because we are more sensitive to receiving the kind of service that we prefer, not what some generic company representative thinks we should receive.

Accommodate the Basic Differences
From the basic differences between men and women, boomers and radio agers, millennial and generation Xers to the multi cultural audience we are serving, it is critical we treat people the way they want to be treated.

No Ode de Winston Cigarettes
For example, when a middle aged woman takes her car into an auto repair facility, how would she expect to be treated? First, the lobby area should be clean and neat and not smell of exhaust fumes. The service writer should be pleasant looking and dressed in a clean uniform. His or her demeanor should be respectful and amiable. He should not be wearing the cologne of Winston cigarettes, no visible body piercings or tatoos, and his hands and fingernails should be clean and free of dirt and grease.

This service writer should ask her the right questions and then listen to the woman explain what she wants to have done to her car. Among other women friendly things, the waiting area should have several types of current, women-oriented magazines. The restrooms should look and smell sparkling clean. After the car is serviced or repaired, the service writer should explain what work was performed and what parts were replaced in a way she understands.

Making sure you treat your customers, employees, and coworkers the way they want to be treated will insure they get the kind of treatment that will keep them satisfied and your company growing.

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Tom Borg is president of Tom Borg Consulting, LLC. He is a business consultant, speaker, coach and author. He helps companies and organization become more profitable by increasing their value and lowering their costs through the professional development of their managers and employees.