How do leaders create an environment where people thrive and drive results? For Volker Jaeckel, an executive coach and expert in DISC behavioral analysis, the answer lies in applying a concept known as the Platinum Rule, which prioritizes empathetic communication. This approach transforms how leaders communicate with their teams, resulting in better outcomes and stronger relationships. Because a high-performing team isn’t about getting everyone to think the same way—it’s about aligning diverse perspectives to work towards a common goal.
The Platinum Rule: A New Approach to Leadership
The Platinum Rule is a twist on the traditional Golden Rule that guides many leadership philosophies: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Instead, the Platinum Rule urges leaders to speak to others as they would like to be spoken to, shifting the focus from self to empathy for and understanding of the person in front of you.
Jaeckel explains that this shift in perspective is especially important for leaders. “It’s not about being weaker or giving in. It’s about adapting your approach to others’ perspectives, which leads to better communication, greater emotional intelligence, and stronger leadership,” he says. For leaders, understanding their team’s unique needs and adjusting their style accordingly can mean the difference between retaining top talent and losing it.
Building High-Performing Teams with DISC Behavioral Analysis
To implement the Platinum Rule successfully, leaders must first understand the dynamics of their teams. That’s where DISC behavioral analysis comes in. DISC helps leaders identify their own natural behaviors and those of their team members. It categorizes personalities into four main types: Dominance (Red), Influence (Yellow), Steadiness (Green), and Conscientiousness (Blue).
“You might have a dominant ‘Red’ personality, who wants to move fast, but that may clash with a ‘Green’ personality, who prefers a slower, more methodical pace,” he says. “When leaders recognize these differences, they can adapt their approach to ensure smoother collaboration.” This understanding of team dynamics is critical in avoiding conflicts and leveraging the unique strengths each team member brings.
Real-World Applications: Empathy in Action
Jaeckel’s work with companies like BMW demonstrates how understanding the Platinum Rule and DISC can lead to better team performance. He recalls a case where a well-educated manager in accounting struggled to connect with his team. Despite his strong qualifications, his extroverted, friendly personality didn’t align with the more introverted and structured nature of his accounting staff.
“We moved him to a marketing role where his personality was a better fit, and replaced him with someone whose more methodical and reserved style meshed better with the team,” Jaeckel explains. The result? Both the manager and his team thrived in their new roles. This scenario highlights the power of placing the right person in the right environment—a concept that resonates deeply with Jaeckel’s coaching. “It’s like boiling potatoes,” he says. “If the lid of the pot is too small or too large, it doesn’t work. You need to have a fit, a balance.”
The Challenge of Evolving from Manager to Leader
Jaeckel observes a common challenge facing individuals transitioning from a management to a leadership role: the pressure to drastically change their demeanor in order to prove themselves. However, this often leads to failure. “Leaders shouldn’t feel the need to be stern or tough to assert authority,” Jaeckel says. “You don’t need to change who you are—you just need to evolve. Leadership today is about empathy and emotional intelligence, not threats or monetary rewards.”
Jaeckel encourages leaders to focus on personal development, urging them to take courses, read leadership books, and embrace new perspectives. “You’re making the rules now, but that doesn’t mean you stop learning,” he stresses, underscoring the importance of seeing leadership as an ongoing process of growth and adaptation to meet the changing needs of your team and business landscape.
Unlocking 10X Performance with Empathy
The Platinum Rule is not just a concept—it’s a practical tool for unlocking the potential within teams. When leaders take the time to understand the unique needs and motivations of each team member, they foster an environment of trust and collaboration. As a result, performance improves, and teams become more cohesive and innovative.
Jaeckel’s decades of experience in international business, combined with his expertise in behavioral analysis, make him a trusted authority in helping leaders build stronger, more effective teams. “The Platinum Rule works across cultures and industries,” he says. “It’s a universal tool for better communication and stronger relationships.” For leaders aiming to drive 10X performance, Jaeckel’s approach is clear: listen, understand, adapt, and lead with empathy. These principles are not only essential for retaining top talent but for creating teams that consistently outperform expectations.
To learn more about Volker Jaeckel’s approach to leadership and team performance, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website.
