The role of a Chief Information Officer has changed more in the last decade than in the three decades before it. A CIO is no longer seen only as managing networks, software, or hardware. Today, the position demands vision, strategy, and leadership. It is no longer enough to push technology forward. A CIO must also bring people along for the journey.
The Platinum Rule shifts focus from the leader to the people being led. Instead of “treating others as you would like to be treated,” it asks leaders to treat others as they wish. It sounds simple, but it can make a significant difference for a CIO managing diverse teams, vendors, executives, and customers. The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life turns technology leadership into people leadership, which the modern business world demands.
What Is the Platinum Rule?
The Golden Rule has been the standard for years: treat others as you want. The problem with that idea is that not everyone thinks or works the same way. The Platinum Rule goes further. It encourages leaders to look at situations through the eyes of others. It asks them to learn what motivates and frustrates people and how they like to communicate.
In practice, the Platinum Rule means listening more than talking. It means noticing whether someone prefers written updates or face-to-face conversations. It means adjusting tone for different audiences. For a CIO, this rule is less about personal preference and more about building trust with those who depend on them. The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life has become essential.
Use of the Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life
The day-to-day responsibilities of a CIO extend beyond system implementation. They involve building bridges between IT and business, aligning technology with company goals, and inspiring diverse teams. By practicing the Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life, CIOs can adapt to the needs of each audience:
- With executives and board members, they frame discussions in terms of risk, ROI, and strategy rather than technical jargon.
- With technical staff, they might lean into detailed design sessions or whiteboard discussions.
- With vendors and partners, they adapt negotiation styles; some prefer relationship-first approaches, others want bottom-line efficiency.
- With end users, they provide tailored training and support, hands-on workshops for some, and digital guides for others.
Why the Rule Matters in a CIO’s Life
CIOs often face resistance when new systems are introduced. Employees worry that new tools will slow them down. Managers fear disruption. Executives want reassurance that the investment will pay off. These concerns are valid, and ignoring them can destroy even the best strategy.
The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life is important because it allows a leader to address each concern in a way that makes sense to the person raising it. An executive does not want a technical breakdown. They want to know how the change affects business growth. A developer does not care about return on investment but wants to see how the system will integrate with existing code. By approaching each group in their own way, the CIO builds confidence and lowers resistance.
This rule also matters because it strengthens culture. Employees feel valued when their preferences are respected. Vendors are more cooperative when conversations reflect their priorities. Executives are more likely to back the CIO when they see clear communication.
Key Responsibilities and Importance
The responsibility of a CIO is not just to keep systems running but to ensure technology drives business goals. That responsibility has weight and cannot be fulfilled through technology alone. People bring projects to life and decide whether new tools succeed or fail.
The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life highlights the importance of understanding different working styles. A young engineer may want freedom to experiment. A senior manager may wish to structure and set clear deadlines. A vendor may care more about long-term partnerships than quick wins. When the CIO recognizes these differences, they are better equipped to unite people around a common goal.
This approach does not mean the message changes. The overall vision remains the same, but how it is delivered changes so that it reaches everyone in a way they can accept and act on. That is why the platinum rule has become more than a suggestion. It is a responsibility.
Examples of the Platinum Rule in Action
Rolling Out New Technology
A company decides to move its operations to a cloud-based platform. The CIO presents cost savings, improved security, and future scalability for executives. For managers, the focus is on smoother workflows and department-level benefits. The CIO sets up hands-on training sessions for employees and offers simple, step-by-step guides. Each group gets what they need despite the project being the same.
Working with Vendors
In one deal, a software vendor values fast, direct negotiations. Another prefers building trust over several conversations. The CIO adjusts accordingly. Both relationships work because the CIO applies the platinum rule and meets people where they are, not where the CIO happens to be comfortable.
Recognizing Teams
Some staff love being recognized publicly at meetings. Others feel uncomfortable with the spotlight. By understanding this, the CIO can celebrate achievements without embarrassing anyone. It keeps motivation high and strengthens loyalty.
Conclusion
The Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life is not a trendy phrase. It is a way of leading that puts people at the center of every decision. Technology may drive progress, but people decide its success. A CIO who applies this rule respects and uses those differences to create stronger results.
Leadership is not about pushing everyone into the same mold. It is about finding what works for each person and building a collective path forward. When CIOs follow the Platinum Rule, they gain trust, reduce conflict, and help their organizations grow confidently.
Ultimately, the Platinum Rule in a CIO’s Life is simple: treat others as they wish. For a CIO, there may be no rule more valuable.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the Platinum Rule more effective than the Golden Rule?
A. The Golden Rule assumes others share your preferences, but the Platinum Rule focuses on treating people how they want to be treated.
Q2: Why is the Platinum Rule important specifically for CIOs?
A. Because CIOs sit at the intersection of technology and people. Success depends on aligning diverse stakeholders, and that requires adaptability and empathy.
Q3: How can CIOs start applying the Platinum Rule?
A. Listening closely, observing communication patterns, and asking people how they prefer to engage. Over time, these insights shape a more tailored leadership style.
Q4: Does following the Platinum Rule slow down decision-making?
A. Not necessarily. While it takes awareness, it accelerates adoption and reduces resistance by aligning with people’s natural preferences.
Q5: Is the Platinum Rule only about communication?
A. No. It extends to recognition, conflict resolution, training, and overall relationship-building. It’s about adapting leadership in all interactions.
