Remember, it takes at least two people to carry on a quarrel.
It’s difficult to remember in the heat of a disagreement that it takes two to quarrel. It may help to remember that no one can disagree with you while you are agreeing with them. This is not to suggest that you should compromise your principles. It is possible, however, to remain true to your beliefs while simultaneously searching for common ground that will enable you to work productively with others who may at first disagree with you. When others are upset with you or with a situation that involves you, let them know that you understand how they feel. Examine the problem from their point of view. What is the source of the conflict? How could it be resolved in a manner that would satisfy the interests of all involved? How have you contributed to the problem? When you try to find solutions instead of attempting to affix blame, others will almost always respond in kind.
When you ask another person to do something, it may help both him and you if you tell him what to do, why he should do it, when he should do it, where he should do it, and how he may best do it.
We are all influenced by our background and experience. We perceive instructions in the context of our education, experience, heritage, the culture of our organization, and a number of other variables. Good managers know this, and they make sure that their instructions are clear, concise, and well understood. They also know that they must walk a fine line between conveying adequate instructions and killing workers’ incentive by not allowing them sufficient latitude to do their jobs. You may strike the right balance between instruction and motivation by encouraging employees to participate in setting objectives for themselves and their teams, by helping them develop plans for achieving their goals, and by making sure that each individual clearly understands the team’s mission and his or her role in achieving it. Suggest that team members check in occasionally to report their progress, then get out of their way and cheer them on to victory.
Faith is a combination of thoughts and actions.
When you apply your faith in yourself, your faith in your fellow man, and your faith in God, the result is a positive course of action that when persistently followed will almost always lead to success. When you believe in your ideas and in your abilities, and you trust in the Infinite Intelligence of the universe, you know that your thoughts and deeds will ultimately lead to a successful conclusion. You cannot fail.
Those who will not take a chance seldom have one thrust upon them.
Success always involves risk. You must take a chance by investing your time, money, and effort. It pays to be thoughtful and deliberate in your analyses of opportunities, but don’t let timidity hold you back. Because you have worked hard to develop those things you must risk, it is natural for you to place a high value on them. But what good are they if you do not put them to use? You will recognize opportunity only to the extent that you are willing to consider risking your time, money, and effort. Being confident gives you the courage to face risk and act when opportunity arises. No one on earth is going to force success upon you; you will find it only to the degree that you actively seek it out.