Principle 17: Try Honestly to See Things from the Other Person's Point of View

Never condemn someone for being wrong. Instead, assume the other person always has a valid reason for his/her actions. Try to put yourself in his shoes and understand why he would do or say what he did.Consider from the other person's point of view why he would want to hear or adapt to your point of view.

One of the fundamental keys to successful human relations is understanding that other people may be totally wrong, but they don't think they are. Don't condemn them; try to understand them.

If we ask ourselves, "how would I feel or react if I were in his shoes?" we'll save ourselves a lot of time and frustration, because we'll better understand his perspective. Success in dealing with people relies on being able to have a clear grasp of the other person's viewpoint.

Accept the other person's viewpoint. Determine what you say by what you'd want to hear if you were the listener. These skills will take time to develop, but will help you avoid conflict and get better results.

Practice Principle 17

Next time you're about to ask someone to buy your product or contribute to your favorite charity or do you a favor, pause first.

Make a list of reasons that you want them to do it, and a list of reasons that they would want to do it. When you're writing your email, your website copy, or opening your conversation, only mention the reasons from their list, and none of the ones from your list.