We’re bombarded with messages of appropriate behavior and expectations throughout our lives. It can become challenging to separate what’s authentic to us versus what’s been ingrained in us.

Teasing out true authenticity may seem unnecessary; however, authenticity is critical when applying the Platinum Rule to your leadership style.

In my first management role, I had a mentor who believed that personal lives should be separate from work lives. He felt it was important for managers to be impersonal with their teams to avoid the perception of favoritism, to prevent employees from expecting special treatment, and to keep from making emotional decisions. I took this advice to heart and focused on supporting my team to the best of my ability in a strictly professional way.

Most of us learned some version of the Golden Rule in childhood – treat others as you would like to be treated. This lesson is carried into adulthood where we’re encouraged to apply it in our careers and personal relationships. While it seems altruistic, it’s really just focused on what we want rather than what others want. That’s where the Platinum Rule comes in.