The Platinum Rule of Trust

Are you trustworthy?

Do you hold others to the same standard of trust that you hold for yourself?

If so, you might be limiting your leadership credibility and impact.

If you assume that everyone defines trust the same way, you are rolling the dice and your odds are pretty low.

The Platinum Rule of Trust

Trust is experienced uniquely by different personality types. This has implications for how we interact with others, communicate, conduct meetings, make decisions, manage our professional reputation, and set up our learning and work environments.

One of the most dangerous things we can do is to project our definition of trust onto others by applying the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Your noble intention means little if it’s conveyed in a way that others can’t “hear” or that doesn’t resonate with them.

Trust is about intentions and impact. What matters isn’t what we think we meant or said, but how others experienced it. Trust is built when we treat others as they want to be treated. That’s the Platinum Rule.

Process Communication Model® Builds Trust

The Process Communication Model (PCM), an internationally acclaimed behavioral communication framework for interacting with different personalities, identifies six distinct personality types, each with unique perceptual filters and psychological needs that determine what trust means for them. Each person has all six types within them, arranged in a preferred, set order. One or two of these types within us is primary and determines how trust is experienced.

PCM helps leaders build trust with all six personality types by adapting how we communicate.

Here are tips for earning trust with each personality type:

Thinkers

Thinkers are logical, organized, and responsible. They prize data and information and are more likely to trust people who are logical.

How to earn trust with Thinkers:

• Provide them with plenty of data, time frames, and an outline of what you plan to do.
• Follow through on what you say you will do, and keep them apprised of pertinent information.
• Complete important steps on time.

Persisters

Persisters are dedicated, conscientious, and observant. They prize loyalty and commitment and are more likely to trust people who hold strong values.

How to earn trust with Persisters:

• Ask for their opinions, listen to their vision, and share your views.
• Demonstrate your loyalty to the bigger picture.
• Follow through on your promises and commitments.

Harmonizers

Harmonizers are compassionate, sensitive, and warm. They prize family and friendship and are more likely to trust people who show compassion.

How to earn trust with Harmonizers:

• Listen to their feelings, showing you care about them as a person.
• Show empathy and support for how they are doing, not just what they are doing.
• Show them you appreciate them for who they are and will support them emotionally, even when they make a mistake.

Rebels

Rebels are spontaneous, creative, and playful. They prize spontaneity and creativity and are more likely to trust people who are fun.

How to earn trust with Rebels:

• Be open to new ideas. Encourage trial and error.
• Avoid micromanaging or preaching to them about what they should or shouldn’t do.
• Accept them the way they are and give them the freedom to express themselves.

Imaginers

Imaginers are reflective, imaginative, and calm. They prize privacy and their own space and are more likely to trust people with imagination.

How to earn trust with Imaginers:

• Use explicit commands to elicit their imagination, e.g. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”
• Tell them exactly what you want them to do, then leave them alone to do it.
• Give them space and time alone to recharge.
• Don’t expect them to socialize with Harmonizers or brainstorm with Thinkers and Rebels.

Promoters

Promoters are charming, adaptable, and persuasive. They prize self-sufficiency and adaptability and are more likely to trust people who take initiative.

How to earn trust with Promoters:

• Cut to the chase and focus on immediate action.
• Give them exciting, time-sensitive, mission-critical tasks.
• Keep things moving and avoid getting bogged down in details.
• Be willing to negotiate, strike a deal, or start a competition.

Each of us has all six types in them, but primarily engages the world with one or two of the six types.

A valid and reliable assessment can identify your PCM personality structure and what trust means for you, along with a variety of actionable insights to improve your leadership impact. Want to find out? Get your own PCM Leadership Profile and personalized debrief session.

Do you want a powerful trust-building activity for your team? We can assess your team and facilitate a team debrief around trust and engagement. Contact us to learn more.

Don’t have the budget or time to assess everyone on your team? Share this blog post and ask your people to tell you which types resonate most with them.

Trust begins with communication. If you want more trust, change the way you communicate.

Earning trust requires moving beyond yourself and your definition. If your goal is to be trustworthy for the important people in your life, connect with what they value so they can fully experience your good intention

Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2025