1. Step back from the “ladder of inference.” Refuse to leap to conclusions without checking things out directly.
2. Cool your flash point – be slow to take offense. Whether it seems like it or not, most people are trying to do the right thing.
3. Take the risk of assuming good will, and starting from trust.
4. Talk TO people, not about them – especially when you’re dealing with problems.
5. If you are currently in leadership, think “transparency.” Share not just your conclusions but your process . . . and, for all of you, remember – ultimately, leaders lead, and sometimes they need to make hard decisions along the way.
6. Finally – for all of us -- say “thank you.” Say it a lot. There are dozens and dozens of volunteers giving of themselves to do many and marvelous things – whether or not they’re always done your way.
(c) M. Killoran, Vero Beach, 2008