Listening & Serving
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said. – Peter Drucker
I’ve blogged on this quote before, I’m sure of it.
But it’s worth repeating because it inspired a new thought.
Everyone knows what the Golden Rule is (do unto others as you would have them do unto you). But there’s something even better:
The Platinum Rule: do unto others as they want done unto them.
Huh?
The Platinum Rule requires you to put your own needs aside and focus on what the other wants, what they truly want. It requires to you to truly serve.
Just as Drucker reminds us that a critical part of listening lies in sensing what isn’t said, optimal human relations are not based on treating others as you want to be treated, but treating them as they want to be treated.
That requires hard work and caring – and it’s worth it.