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.