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Keep skid chains on
your tongue; always say less that you think. Cultivate a low,
persuasive voice. How you say it often counts more that what
you say.
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Make promises sparingly
and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs.
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Never let an
opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about
somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If
criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully.
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Be interested in
others: their pursuits, their work, their homes and families.
Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn.
Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a
person of importance.
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Be cheerful.
Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor
aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone
is carrying some kind of load.
-
Keep an open
mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is a mark of a
superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
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Let your virtues, if
you have any, speak for themselves. Refuse to talk of
another's vices. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable
time and can be extremely destructive.
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Be careful of another's
feelings. Wit and humor at the other person's expense are
rarely worth it and may hurt when least expected.
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Pay no attention to
ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who
carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the
world. Simply live so that nobody will believe them.
Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of
back-biting.
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Don't be too anxious
about the credit due you. Do your best and be patient.
Forget about yourself and let others "remember".
Success is much sweeter this way.
