Principles

I found it useful recently in talking with some business colleagues, and most especially with my teenage children, to articulate the principles I value. Writing things down helps me live by them, and helps me express them in a way that is easy for others to remember. Discussion welcomed.

Here are my principles:

1. Show up. On time.

2. Pay attention.

3. Tell the truth.

4. Do your best.

Do these things well, most other issues and problems go away, or get a lot easier to solve. Don't do these things, you and I will not communicate and work well together.

My motto since joining Microsoft (tag line of this blog) is the method whereby I try to do number 4.

Comments

• Anonymous
  August 17, 2006
  From my forensics speech teacher:
  
  Be short.
  Be sincere.
  Sit down.
  
• Anonymous
  August 17, 2006
  With my kids I have another one:
  
  Own up to your mistakes. Everyone makes them. Admit it. Learn from it.