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Topics

Article Type

Professional Proficiency

Competency

,

Article Abstract

Related Issue:

College leaders continue to face significant challenges with student and staff attrition, prompting research into the core reasons for reduced retention and, ultimately, student completion. These concerns are especially troublesome for enrollment management leaders who work tirelessly to meet enrollment and completion targets while maintaining a committed, quality staff to meet the fluid student needs and preferences. Research shows that the experiences and satisfaction levels of students and staff are deeply intertwined. Therefore, effective engagement and relationship management strategies centered on both groups’ interests and desired experiences are crucial. One approach that can aid this work is incorporating the principles of the Platinum Rule, which advocates treating others how they want to be treated. The Platinum Rule builds on the Golden Rule, which most are familiar with, by taking personal engagement to the next level, including the core principles of empathy, personalization, communication, and flexibility. By incorporating the principles of this rule, leaders can enhance the performance and satisfaction of both students and employees, realizing the potential advancements of both groups. This article provides a qualitative analysis of existing evidence and literature on the Platinum Rule’s core principles and best practices for leaders to consider when developing an approach to maximize the potential of staff and create an environment where students can flourish.

Author(s)

Joseph Mews, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Enrollment & Student Affairs
at Lake-Sumter State College (FL), where he oversees key areas such as
academic advising, athletics, early college programs, financial aid, records,
recruitment and enrollment services, and student and career engagement. With
extensive experience in higher education administration, Dr. Mews has
dedicated his academic and professional focus to student development,
organizational leadership, strategic planning and assessment, and change
leadership. He is an active member of several professional associations and
has contributed to the field through teaching, presenting, publishing, and
designing content. His expertise as both a practitioner and scholar informs
his leadership and commitment to advancing student success.

References

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