Shawn Wang’s 35 Principles for 35 Years are a good read. A few of my favorites:

  1. Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood. Don’t get defensive about your point of view or perception of reality - understand theirs first. Either you will learn something new or you’ll understand how to better get your point across. Hold multiple perspectives in your head and be able to summarize the best arguments of all major parties in a way that THEY agree with.
  1. Don’t offer unsolicited help. Make Sure Help Is Wanted Before Offering It. Men - be especially wary about this when women are talking about their problems. Sometimes they just need support, not solutions.
  1. Separate Your Identity from Your Work. You can learn a lot on the Internet for the low, low price of $YOUR_EGO.
Adam Keys @therealadam