Principle 9: Make the Other Person Feel Important

People want others' approval, they want to feel important, and they want to be recognized. "Do unto others as you would have others unto you" - In order to feel important and appreciated, start by giving others that feeling first.

We should all be happy - and excited - to do something for someone else when they can't do anything for us in return. As we've reiterated throughout each of these principles,the one all-important law of human conduct is to always make the other person feel important.

• Find something to honestly admire about other people and vocalize it.
• Always make the other person feel important.
• Use these phrases:
  • "I'm sorry to trouble you,"
  • "Would you be so kind as to…"
  • "Won't you please…"
  • "Would you mind…"
  • "Thank you!"

Emerson: "Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him."

Practice Principle 9

Find someone who doesn't appear to be having a good day - perhaps a demotivated colleague, an overworked waitress, or a man selling newspapers on the corner. Go out of your way to offer words of kindness to that person through a genuine compliment. Aim to do this at least once every day.