Someone asked me recently what one of the best books I had ever read regarding good advice that works at both work and in life. I realized that the book that probably has helped me more in my coaching practice as well as in my life is “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. Here they are:
Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change form moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
These agreements are simple to understand but a challenge to achieve. They are not just are extremely helpful in your personal life but also in a work environment for helping to build trust and have integrity. I introduced these four agreements to a client’s 2,700 customer service representatives in 3 different locations one year and the improvement in their division’s organizational health and profitability was remarkable. For more information about using the four agreements at work, there is lots of information available on the internet.
Kathleen