Average Customer Review:
 ( 32 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 "It's about you, not me"Apr 26, 2006
By Philip Hamilton
The premise is simple: "Do unto others as they'd like done unto them."
The classic "Golden Rule" involves a perspective bias, the implicit selfishness of which can and will wreck your interactions with others. Even if you think you have the very best intentions, you'll unwittingly sabotage your objectives. By learning and applying the "Platinum Rule," you'll greatly improve the quality and effectiveness of your interactions with others.
So, how do you know what others would like do unto them? Ask them! Seriously, that's of course a necessary part, but the authors give very thorough treatment of the subject so the reader will know how to step into the worlds of others. They describe and discuss the four basic personality types and impart valuable knowledge about numerous blends of multiple types:
* Directors
* Relaters
* Socializers
* Thinkers
The book features twelve chapters:
1. Has the Golden Rule Lost its Glitter?
2. Getting to Know the Four Basic Styles
3. How to Tell Where You Fit In
4. The Key to Getting a Quick Handle on Anybody
5. How the Read the Mixed Styles
6. Coping Productively with the Other Styles
7. How to Adapt to Anyone...and Retain Your Own Identity
8. Using Individual Differences to Bring Out the Best in Groups
9. Creating a High-Performance Leadership Style
10. How to Sell by Style
11. Providing Service with Style
12. Changing the Rest of Your Life by Creating Positive Relationships
Each is excellent. Two quick examples of things that particularly resonated with me:
* Great discussion and example of the meaning and importance of adaptability (Ch. 7, pp. 131-133)
* Striking example and analysis of a sales environment and the ramifications of not fitting your sales style to the customer
This book is easy to read, practical, and powerful. I think everybody would benefit from reading and therefore highly recommend it to anyone.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
The golden rule... to the next levelMar 20, 2001
By John K. Reed
The basic premise is that you should treat others not as you would want to be treated but how THEY would like to be treated. And the manner of treatment that they prefer may differ drastically from the manner of treatment that you may like. This is so obvious in its' simplicity I had to kick myself for not thinking of it on my own.Now the real key is the ability to identify the differing personality types. The book has a very straightforward methodology for determining the 4 basic personality types and associated subtypes. Once you can classify individuals into the major types it becomes much easier to identify the most effective methods for dealing. Many of which are explored in the book. When I read the book originally I was working for a startup company with one chief executive, a marketing director, myself the technology director, a chief financial officer, and others. I was shocked at how accurately the book described each of us as we related to the major personality types. I only wish that I had come upon this text prior to this experience as it would have helped me immensely in dealing with each of these individuals. This is a very important and practical text for anyone who has to deal with diverse styles and motivations either in business or in their personal lives.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Understanding Yourself Increases Your SalesApr 02, 2002
By A. Delaney
This book gives the student of human persuasion something to think about. Although not discovered by the authors, they outline four distinct personality styles. Knowing the style of your customer is a great advantage. They give numerous examples and insights on how to talk to and interact with the various styles. These examples and insights are very useful for a salesperson. If you want to understand others first understand you. This work assists you in understanding what style personality you are. After understanding where you are coming from, you begin to understand where other people are coming from. This makes you an excellent communicator. One of the most difficult areas of personal selling is figuring out what the customer really wants. This endeavor needs good communication skills on the part of the sales representative. Opening a window of communication with the customer is critical. And, you don't want the window to close when you have your neck out the window talking with the customer. Understanding how certain customers think about the world and other humans, helps with this window of communication. The authors give specific examples of how to talk to each personality style and what types of behaviors to expect. The book is practical and the reader is immediately able to go from book to the field and use the techniques. If you are in the sales trade study this book. But we all need to sell ourselves and thinking about the techniques and concepts of this work will benefit anyone.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Insightful!Jun 01, 2001
By Rolf Dobelli
"getAbstract"
Author Anthony J. Alessandra identifies the four basic business personalities: Directors, Socializers, Relaters and Thinkers. As you come to appreciate the strengths of each of these styles, you also learn to put them to use. You will read about the drawbacks of each style and you will see how you can help people overcome them. The book is generally for managers who want to get more out of their employees. The authors include a section on how to apply The Platinum Rule to selling, which makes the book quite useful for anyone in a sales position. We [...] recommend this book to sales or personnel managers, and to other executives who want to understand and motivate people.
9 of 11 found the following review helpful:
There is another dimension.Feb 19, 1998
"As Chairman of the Bethel Institute, I recommend The Platinum Rule by Dr. Tony Alessandra, my clients all find it to be most useful. However, there is another dimension I'd like to suggest. I have six adult children and each is married. I have given the book to each one as a guide to a happier marriage. Tony has given us a tool to build relationships, understand ourselves, our partners and our children.
Our most important and endearing relationships are at home. It seems appropriate to have a book of this magnitude to guide us in our efforts to achieve a happier personal life."
Sheila Murrary Bethel,
Chairman,
Bethel Institute,
Author: Making A Difference, 12 Qualities That Make You A Leader
See all 32 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
based on 32 reviews
